Massive perineal wound slough after treatment of complex pelvic and acetabular fractures using a traction table

An operating table with the capacity for skeletal traction against a pudendal post is a helpful and commonly used piece of equipment for certain pelvic and acetabular fracture patterns. Perineal soft tissue trauma and orogenital injuries are associated with some pelvic and acetabular fractures. The perineal region is vulnerable to compromise after such injuries. There is little documentation available in the literature that addresses intraoperative complications of the perineum after the use of a traction table for pelvic fractures. We present here a case in which prolonged traction against a pudendal post during operative fixation of complex pelvic and acetabular fractures resulted in massive perineal wound slough. This case should heighten surgeons' awareness of the vulnerability of the perineum to injury with the use of a traction table and should prompt measures to prevent complications.