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. 2023 Sep 14;24(1):733.
doi: 10.1186/s12891-023-06847-3.

Application of PVC pipes as an adjustable bilateral traction device in lower limb fractures

Hongshuo Sun  1 , Peng Li  1 , Gangqiang Du  1 , Jianhao Jiang  1 , Kaikai Song  1 , Hongzhi Liu  1 , Xinjun Zhang  1 , Long Jia  1 , Kai Zhang  1 , Shuye Yang #  2 , Zhigang Wang #  3
Affiliations

Application of PVC pipes as an adjustable bilateral traction device in lower limb fractures

Hongshuo Sun et al. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. .

Abstract

Objective: To introduce a new type of simple adjustable bilateral bidirectional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube traction device and discuss the value of using this device before surgery in patients with lower limb fractures.

Methods: To introduce the manufacturing process of an adjustable bilateral traction device made of PVC pipes. From August 2018 to November 2019, the data of 36 patients with lower limb fractures who were treated with this traction device were retrospectively analysed. The treatment outcomes were analysed, including length of both lower limbs, fracture reduction, lower limb mobility, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, incidence of complications, and patient satisfaction.

Results: All patients were able to move the affected limb immediately after using the device. The patient's pain was significantly reduced, they were able to turn over freely during bed rest, and the length of the affected limb was restored to that of the healthy limb. Thirty-four (94.5%) patients were satisfied with the reduction of the fracture end, 2 (5.5%) patients with tibiofibular fractures showed angular displacement of the fractured end and satisfactory reduction after the position of the bone traction needle was adjusted; 7 (19.5%) patients developed deep vein thrombosis of the affected lower limb during traction; there was no decubitus or vascular nerve injury, and the overall complication rate was 25% (9/36). All the patients and their families were satisfied with the results of this treatment.

Conclusion: The aim of this study is to introduce a new type of traction device. It is advantageous in that it is light weight, low cost, easy to assemble, promotes immediate movement of the affected limb after assembly, improves patient comfort and can be used with a titanium steel needle for MRI examination under traction. In the clinical setting, it has been shown to be suitable for the temporary treatment of patients with lower leg fractures prior to surgery, particularly patients who, for various reasons, require nonsurgical treatment in the short term.

Keywords: Bilateral distraction; Bone traction; Closed reduction; Lower extremity fracture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The materials and tools required to make the adjustable PVC tube double reverse traction device. ①Bone traction pin (3.5 * 250 mm) ②Stainless steel hoop ③Screwdriver ④PVC thick tube ⑤PVC thin tube ⑥Custom-made bone traction pin bending tool ⑦Self-locking nylon tie (3.5 *150 mm) ⑧Electric drill ⑨Nylon tie tightener
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The assembly process of the adjustable PVC tube double reverse traction device. A The custom-made bending tool was used to bend the lateral bone traction needle of the official cavity. B-D The self-locking nylon tie was passed through the 4.0 mm channel in the anterior and posterior direction, and was firmly combined with the PVC tube and the bone traction needle by using a tensioner. E The assistant held the affected limb. F After the bone traction needle was obviously bent, the steel hoop was tightened. G A marker was used to mark the surface of the thin tube at the end of the thick tube. H-I The finished drawing of the device
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Traction effect on a tibial plateau fracture
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Traction effect on a tibiofibular fracture
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Traction effect on a Pilon fracture
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Model of the adjustable PVC tube double reverse traction device
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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