A technical trick which reduces the need for stab incisions when using bone tenaculums for fracture reduction.

Abstract

During the reduction of fractures using a bone tenaculum, rather than making a stab incision, a frequently successful strategy can be to place a folded operative towel placed between the patient's skin and the head of the tenaculum. Using this technique, the surgeon can decrease scarring and potential stab wound complications. When the angle is too steep for the towel to allow the tenaculum to remain stable during the reduction, the surgeon can use the towel as a safe means of trial and error to determine the necessary alignment of the tenaculum to achieve reduction and consequently the best location at which to make the stab incision for the tine of the tenaculum.