Traction tables are used in numerous procedures about the hip and femur,including fracture fixation, hip arthroscopy, and less invasive arthroplasty.The use of a traction table is not without risks, however, and significantcomplications have been described, including injury to the perineal integumentand soft tissues, neurologic impairment, and iatrogenic compartment syndromeof the well leg. The orthopaedic surgeon who uses a traction table for thesurgical management of femur fracture must be familiar with the associatedpotential dangers and risks and must develop a plan to avoid traction tableassociatedcomplications, such as use of a radiolucent flat-top operating table for obesepatients, adequate patient positioning, and the minimum possible surgicaltime.