ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: There is always confusion regarding preoperative stabilization modality for proximal femur fractures to achieve pain relief. Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the effects of skeletal traction and pillow support on pain in patients with proximal femur fractures. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 patients contributed in this randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly allotted into two equal groups: the skeletal traction and pillow support groups. The severity of pain was recorded at admission and 30 minutes, 24, 48 hours after traction/pillow support application using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: The severity of pain was significantly decreased in skeletal traction group and pillow support group only at the end of the first day after traction application. The number of pain complaints which needs analgesics was the same between the two groups. Conclusions: even though skeletal traction and pillow support had no effect on analgesic consumption, both have significantly decreased the pain at the end of the first day. The application of skeletal traction and pillow support both are recommended in patients with proximal femur fractures.