A clinical trial of Hamilton-Russell traction on a) incidence of pressure sores, and b) pre-operative pain, in patients with fractured neck of femur.

ISRCTN	ISRCTN62558708
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN62558708
Protocol serial number	ACLINIC
Sponsor	NHS R&D Regional Programme Register - Department of Health (UK)
Funder	NHS Executive Northern and Yorkshire (UK)

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Not provided at time of registration

Dr Peter Draper
Scientific

University of Hull
School of Nursing Social Work and Applied Health Studies
Hull
HU6 7RX
United Kingdom

Phone	+44 (0)1482 465 018
Email	p.r.draper@hull.ac.uk

Primary study design	Interventional
Study design	Randomised controlled trial
Secondary study design	Randomised controlled trial
Scientific title
Study objectives	We propose to evaluate the effect of Hamilton-Russell traction on (a) the peri-operative incidence of pressure sores and (b) pre-operative pain, in patients with fractured neck of femur. There is little evidence to suggest that traction confers any advantage in the pre-operative period, upon patients who receive it. Furthermore, its use may increase the risk of pressure sore development. If the data from the study supports the hypothesis that Hamilton-Russell traction has no beneficial effect, we can strongly argue for its discontinuation. Money currently spent on traction kits will be saved. Furthermore, patient suffering will be reduced through a reduction in the development of pressure sores.
Ethics approval(s)	Not provided at time of registration
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Musculoskeletal injury
Intervention	Application of Hamilton-Russell traction
Intervention type	Other
Primary outcome measure(s)	1. Pain (measured by Bourbonnais pain ruler, a visual analogue scale) 2. Pressure sore (Torrance 5 point scale)
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	Not provided at time of registration
Completion date	30/09/1995

Participant type(s)	Patient
Age group	Senior
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	303
Key inclusion criteria	1. Fractured neck of femur deemed suitable for surgical fixation 2. Patient Consent
Key exclusion criteria	1. Multiple fractures or injuries 2. Pressure sores 3. Absence, paralysis or fracture of lower limb
Date of first enrolment	10/01/1993
Date of final enrolment	30/09/1995

University of Hull

Hull
HU6 7RX
United Kingdom

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No
IPD sharing plan summary	Not provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Results article		01/12/1997		Yes	No