Comparison of skeletal traction forces in patients treated in conventional and oscillating hospital beds

This study compares the forces in two types of skeletal traction systems: a standard hospital bed with balanced suspension traction and an oscillating hospital bed using a flexion cable system. In line traction, forces were continuously measured, using a specially designed transducer. Changes in the magnitude of traction forces of up to two times the applied force were caused by patient movement, nursing procedures, and changes in bed configuration. The oscillating hospital bed was found additionally to impart a moderate (20-50%) rhythmic, sinusoidal variation in applied traction forces. The traction forces applied with the flexion cable system on the oscillating hospital bed were well tolerated and equivalent to those applied in conventional balanced suspension on a standard hospital bed. Although different in design, standard balanced suspension traction on a conventional hospital bed and traction using the flexion cable system on the oscillating hospital bed appear to be equally effective in stabilizing fracture sites.