Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety in limb traction is critical to prevent injury from projectile forces, electrical currents, and imaging artifacts. While various MRI-safe traction techniques exist, many rely on specialized equipment that may not be readily available. This paper describes a simple, accessible MRI-safe lower limb traction method using pillows and blankets in the context of trauma and reviews existing MRI-safe traction techniques.

Method

A clinical case involved a 12-year-old male with a traumatic midshaft femur fracture requiring MRI to investigate for malignancy. Conventional traction equipment was incompatible with MRI, prompting the development of a novel setup using readily available materials. Traction was applied using a "traction hill" made from pillows and a rolled blanket for leg support, with saline-filled bags used as weights. Additionally, a literature review was conducted using Embase, Medline, and Ovid databases, searching for studies involving MRI-safe limb traction setups.

Results

The described setup successfully allowed the patient to tolerate the MRI sequence without sedation, providing adequate pain relief and satisfactory image quality. The literature review identified 36 relevant studies, 29 of which described specific MRI-safe traction methods. Most setups involved hanging weights off the MRI table or using custom apparatus, with varying degrees of compatibility within the MRI environment.

Conclusion

The described technique offers a practical and effective solution for MRI-safe limb traction using commonly available materials, avoiding the need for specialized equipment. While it provides benefits like patient comfort and mobility within the MRI environment, challenges such as weight bulkiness and traction force discrepancies remain. Further exploration of this method may optimize its efficacy and safety compared to more traditional setups

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