Post traumatic stress disorder among school children of Army Public School Peshawar after six month of terrorists attack

Background and Objectives: Terrorist attack in Army Public School Peshawar, Pakistan left behind more than hundred children dead. It was the highest death toll of children in the world in a single terrorists attack. The attack dominated national and international news, high level security measures have been adopted in all school throughout Pakistan, which created fear and stress in children. The objective of the study was to determine post-traumatic stress disorder among children after six month of terrorist attack inspite of rigorous psychosocial support and rehabilitation

Methods: We wanted to determine Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] among children of Army Public School of age range 10 to 18 years after 5 months of intervention and rehabilitation following terrorists attack. For this a self-report questionnaire, Child PTSD Symptom Scale [CPSS], which assess and identify symptoms matching DSM [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders] IV criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder of children, was filled. Informed consent was taken from school Principal and responders

Results: A total 205 students of age range 10 to 18 years participated in the study. The most frequent age group of the study were 16 years and 14 years students with frequency 58 [28.3%] and 46 [22.4%] respectively. Among 205 participated school children PTSD were found in 154 [75.2%] children while only 24.8% students had no PTSD symptoms. In more than 50% PTSD positive school children had functional impairment for each category of fun and hobbies, friendship, school work, family relation, doing chores, general happiness and saying prayers

Conclusion: Study found a very high prevalence of PTSD among 10 to 18 years age group students of Army Public School inspite of five months continuous intervention and rehabilitation services. Study showed that this age group needs long term psychosocial treatment in case of trauma

An Anatomical Study and Clinical Correlations of Mandibular Foramen in Dry Adult Human Mandibles of North Indian Origin.

Background: The mandibular foramen is located on the medial surface of ramus of mandible. It transmits inferior alveolar nerve. Inferior alveolar nerve block is a common procedure done by dental practitioners while doing various surgeries on mandible. The aim of this study is to determine the position of mandibular foramen in respect to various landmarks present on mandible. Methods: 30 adult human dry mandibles of north Indian origin were studied. The position of mandibular foramen from various landmarks was measured on both sides of mandibular ramus. Results: In our study we found the mean distance from the mandibular foramen to the anterior border of the ramus was 16.06±1.99 mm and 16.13±2.10 mm on the right and left sides respectively and from the mandibular foramen to the posterior border of the ramus was 12.02±1.99 mm and 11.10±1.95 mm on the right and left sides respectively. The mandibular foramen was situated at a mean distance of 1.36±0.77 mm on the right side and 1.47±0.72 mm on the left side, posterior to the midpoint of width of the ramus and at a mean distance of 3.37±1.37 mm on the right side and 3.10±1.41 mm on the left side, superior to the midpoint of vertical height of the ramus. Conclusion: In present study localization of mandibular foramen presented great variation. However if we keep these anatomical landmarks in our mind we can accurately locate the position of mandibular foramen and this will help us to create successful anesthesia and to perform good surgeries on mandible

Biodistribution and kinetic studies of technetium-99m labeled Naja naja karachiensis venom via gamma scintigraphic and SPECT images

Naja naja karachiensis have been responsible for plentiful deaths in Pakistan. To investigate bio distribution and blood kinetics, venom was labeled with the radiotracer [technetium-99m] by following the method of direct labeling technique. Its maximum labeling percentage was 97.7% [pH 6, 100microg stannous chloride clihydrate] which was higher than some other reported venom. Radio labeled venom was stable for more than 4 hours both in vivo [96%] and in vitro [serum 94.1%, saline 94.3%] experimentations. Intravenous doses of venom [250microg, 0.5mCi] were found to be evenly distributed [having R/L ratio=1.0] in all parts of sacrificed rabbits. Kidneys [53.75% activity/g] and urinary bladder [23.70% activity/g] were found with the copious quantity of injected dose of venom. Rest of all other organs was found with subsequent remaining dose of venom. Among them, lungs [14.2% activity/g], liver [4.32% activity/g], bones [1.38% activity/g], heart [0.8% activity/g], blood]0.56% activity/g], skin[0.45% activity/g] intestines [0.35% activity/g], skeleton muscles [0.3% activity/g], brain [0.14% activity/g] and stomach [0.05% activity/g] are included. After 24 hours of injection, poisoned blood of rabbits was almost cleared from venom. Gamma scintigraphic images [up to 2 hours] along with bio distribution suggest that kidneys are main organs of excretion in rabbits. Elimination started immediately after administration of venom however, possible sites for metabolism of venom are liver and lungs. More accumulation of venom in heart compared to brain suggests its higher affinity [thus possible higher toxicity] to cardiac muscles as compared to brain tissues

Radiation dose-rate reduction pattern in well-differentiated thyroid cancer treated with I[-131]

To determine the patterns of dose rate reduction in single and multiple radioiodine [I[-131]] therapies in cases of well differentiated thyroid cancer patients. Analytical series. Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Physics, Multan Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy [MINAR], Multan, Pakistan, from December 2006 to December 2013. Ninety three patients [167 therapies] with well differentiated thyroid cancer treated with different doses of I[-131] as an in-patient were inducted. Fifty four patients were given only single I[-131] therapy dose ranging from 70 mCi [2590 MBq] to 150 mCi [5550 MBq]. Thirty nine patients were treated with multiple I[-131] radioisotope therapy doses ranging from 80 mCi [2960 MBq] to 250 mCi [9250 MBq]. T-test was applied on the sample data showed statistically significant difference between the two groups with p-value [p < 0.01] less than 0.05 taken as significant. There were 68 females and 25 males with an age range of 15 to 80 years. Mean age of the patients were 36 years. Among the 93 cases of first time Radio Active Iodine [RAI] therapy, 59 cases [63%] were discharged after 48 hours. Among 39 patients who received RAI therapy second time or more, most were discharged earlier after achieving acceptable discharge dose rate i.e 25 microSv/hour; 2 out of 39 [5%] were discharged after 48 hours. In 58% patients, given single I[-131] therapy dose, majority of these were discharged after 48 hours without any major complications. For well differentiated thyroid cancer patients, rapid dose rate reduction is seen in patients receiving second or subsequent radioiodine [RAI] therapy, as compared to first time receiving RAI therapy

Impact assessment of educational intervention among private dental practitioners about infection control practices in district Peshawar

Cross infections occur frequently in dental health care personnel therefore, to protect themselves and their patients; they have to strictly follow infection control practices. To assess the impact of educational interventions on knowledge and practices of private dental practitioners. Interventional study, done from March 2012 to June 2013 in private practitioners of Peshawar using convenient sampling technique. After acquiring base line data on the practices, pertaining to prevention of cross infection in dental practitioners, educational knowledge intervention was applied to them on same day and repeated after two months. Post intervention data was collected using same questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16.0. A total of 90 dental practitioners were included, of whom 49 [54.4%] were qualified and 41 [45.6%] unqualified. Their overall mean age was 33.77 +/- 8.97 years. The mean age of qualified practitioners was 36.24 +/- 10.40 years. Their pre and post intervention practices showed significant improvement in various practices like; screening of patients prior to procedure [p <0.043], hepatitis B vaccination [p < 0.000], type of gloves used [p < 0.031], hand washing [P < 0.004] separate instrument processing area [p < 0.004], floor cleansing with disinfectant [p < 0.000] and proper ventilation [p <0.021]. The mean age of unqualified practitioners was 30.80 +/- 5.73 years. Their pre and post intervention change in knowledge and practices showed poor compliance to most interventions. Qualified dental practitioners had a positive attitude towards educational infection as compared to unqualified practitioners. Yearly health education certification should be implemented for all health care professional [qualified and unqualified] to keep them abreast with the infection control practices

Efficacy of piroxicam in osteoarthritis

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of this most important nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug by using series of 60 patients with osteoarthritis. Cross sectional study. The prospecting study was undertaken from amongst patients visiting the outpatient orthopedic department of District Head Quarter Hospital Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KPK] for the period of six months from 1[st] January 2011 to 30[th] June 2011. This study was conducted on a mixed population of patients presenting with symptomatic osteoarthritis, which is relatively a common disease. Studies have shown that, the age of 40, 0% of all persons developed from mild clinical symptoms to degenerative changes in their weight bearing joints. indicates a significant therapeutic efficacy as compared to placebo, both at the 2[nd] and 4[th] week of treatment, table 3 represent the comparison of Piroxicam with placebo in the reduction of mean walking pain [hip] 2[nd] and 4[th] week of treatment on the basis of four point scale. The present study revealed sustained and significant improvement in the osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint with Piroxicam treatment resulting in marked reduction in night-pain mean walking pain, and improved objective assessment in the functions of affected joints as compared to the findings emerging out of the use of the naproxen, aspirin and placebo

Effectiveness of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder

To determine the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroids in the treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder. Quasi experimental. Department of Orthopedics Surgery Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from February 2010 to October 2010. In this study, 113 cases of idiopathic frozen shoulder were selected by non-probability consecutive sampling technique at the outpatient department. Patients received a single intra-articular injection of corticosteroid [methylprednisolone] followed by physiotherapy for four weeks. Shoulder pain and disability index [SPADI] was used as main outcome measure of pain relief and disability. Mean age of the patients was 49 +/- 9.3 year. Using SPADI, the mean baseline pain and disability scores were 81 +/- 7.2 and 79.5 +/- 7.6 respectively which significantly improved to 14.5 +/- 7.4 and 25.6 +/- 18.2 at 4th week of intra-articular injection in the affected glenohumeral joint with p value of 0.000 and 0.040 respectively. Intra-articular steroid injection is an effective and reliable modality of treatment for relieving pain and decreasing disability in idiopathic frozen shoulder.

Pediatric nephrolithiasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan

To determine the frequency of various stone types in children less than 15 years of age. In this cross sectional study, data and stone samples were collected from 145 patients admitted in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. Chemical composition of stones was identified using DiaSys urinary calculi analysis kit. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 16.0. Mean age of the children was 7.37 +/- 4.1 years. Stone formation was more common in males [M/F1.5:1]. Family history was present in 44.14% patients. Majority [32.4%] of renal stones were heterogeneous in composition. Pure calcium oxalate was present in 26.2% stones. Calcium oxalate was the principal constituent in 98% stone samples, followed by calcium phosphate [58.6%], ammonium urate [45.5%] and uric acid [4.13%].Majority of renal stones were heterogeneous in composition with calcium oxalate as a principal constituent. Family history may be a strong indicator of stone formation.

Relationship of preoperative surgical delay to mortality after hip fracture in elderly patients

To determine whether a delay in surgery for hip fractures affects postoperative mortality among elderly patients. Descriptive case-series Orthopedic department KGMC/PGMI Hayatabad Medical complex Peshawar, from January 2010 to December 2010. This is a retrospective study of 160 patients who underwent surgical treatment of a hip fracture. Postoperative mortality rates were measured in relation to the delay in the surgery and the acute medical comorbidities on admission. Total mortality following the hip fracture surgery was 16.3%, [in-hospital 5.6% and 30-days 10.6%]. When compared pre-operative delay in patients who had surgery within 2 days, those who were operated within 2-4 days and those who waited >4 days, the mortality rates were 1.3%, 5.6% and 9.4% respectively [with significant p value of 0.042]. In patients with acute medical comorbidities, the 30-days mortality was 2.5% in those operated between 2-4 days and 3.7% in those where surgery had been delayed >4 days [insignificant p value 0.56]. Patients with acute medical comorbidities that required treatment prior to the surgery had 1.6 times risk of death in 30-days as compared to those patients who had been initially considered fit for surgery. Mortality was increased when surgery was delayed for more than 2 days for patients who were otherwise fit for hip fracture surgery

Supracondylar fracture of humerus; radiological assessment of closed reduction by Baumann angle

To assess closed reduction by Baumann angle in supracondylar fractures humerus treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. This prospective study of 50 patients who presented with displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus in children between ages 1-12 years were admitted to Orthopedic and Trauma unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar over period from January 2008 to July 2009. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning were performed under general anesthesia and postoperative reduction was assessed by Baumann angle. All patients were followed for one year. Mean age of the patients was 7.02 years +/- 2.25 SD. Loss of Baumann angle in injured side was range from 2° to 8°. Loss of carrying angle in injured side was range from 3° to 9°. When Baumann angle and carrying angle of both sides were compared the mean Baumann angle loss and carrying angle loss were 5.360 +/- 2.22 SD and 4.320 +/- 1.52 SD respectively. Using Flynn's criteria 36 [72%] patients out of 50 patients with carrying-angle loss considered to be excellent results and 14[28%] good results. Neither of the patient developed cubitus varus deformit y after one year of follow-up. Baumann angle of the humerus is a simple and reliable measurement of closed reduction that can be used to predict final carrying angle in supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury after percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus

To assess iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries after supracondylar humeral fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Descriptive case series. Orthopedic and Trauma Department of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from December 2007 to December 2010 Children between 1-12 years of age and extension-type displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus were included. Neurovascular status was assessed before operation. Closed reduction was performed under general anesthesia and confirmed with the image intensifier, followed by pinning. After surgery, a long arm back slab was applied. After the procedure, neurovascular status assessed again. The pins were removed at a mean of 5 weeks [4-6 weeks] postoperatively. The neurological complications were assessed both for sensory loss and motor loss. Clinical and electro-myographic examinations were performed at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively in patient with ulnar nerve lesions. Eighty two patients presented during the study period. There were 62.2% [n 51] males and 37.8% [n 31] females. Left humerus was involved in 69.5% [n 57] cases. The mean age was 6.61 +/- 2.25 years. A total of three [3.7%] iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries occurred in these patients. Electromyogram showed partial denervation and conduction blocks at the elbow at 6 weeks. Regenerative electromyogram findings were seen at 12 weeks. Sensory and motor functions in all patients returned at a mean of 8 +/- 2.34 weeks and 22 +/- 4.87 weeks respectively. In all patients nerve function returned completely. Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury is a common complication of percutaneous pinning in displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus in children but usually it resolves spontaneously

Comparison of below the elbow cast with above the elbow cast in treating distal third forearm fractures in children

To compare the effectiveness of below the elbow cast with above the elbow cast in treating distal third forearm fractures in children. Comparative study. Orthopedic Department, PGMI Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, from March 2010 to June 2011. This study was designed to compare above and below elbow casts for distal forearm fracture in patients aged 4-12 year. A total of 108 patients were managed during the study period. They were randomized into two groups of 54 each; group A above-elbow and group B below-elbow cast. The mean age of the children was 7.10 +/- 2.18 year. Males were 59.3% and females 40.7%. The right side was the dominant limb in both the groups. 19.6% of children in the above-elbow group required remanipulation as compared to 26.4% in the below elbow group with p value of 0.381. The time from injury to manipulation was not significantly different in the 2 groups. Differences between radius and ulna translation and angulation in the anteroposterior and lateral views of the x-rays were not significant. Twenty three children with above elbow cast and 19 children of below elbow cast had complications but the difference was not significant [p 0.324]. Three patients were lost to follow up. Below-elbow casts was as good as above-elbow cast in maintaining reduction of fractures in the distal third of the forearm in children

Comparison of single versus double plate fixation in inter and supracondylar fractures of distal humerus in adults

To compare the outcome of supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of humerus treated by single and double plates. Comparative study. This study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore and Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Thirty patients of intercondylar and supracondylar fractures of distal humerus were divided randomly into two groups. Fifteen cases were managed by single plate and K wire and 15 cases by bicondylar plate fixation. All patients were operated through posterior transolecranon approach. Elbow exercises were started at second postoperative day. Patients were followed at two weeks and thereafter monthly, with clinical examination and x-rays. The mean age of the patients was 40.3 years. The healing time was sixteen weeks in both the groups. The final grading of the results showed better resulted with double plate fixation with excellent to good results in 13 [86.6%] and fair to poor in 2 [13.3%]. The outcome in single plate was excellent to good in 6 [40%] and fair to poor in 9 [60%]. The results of dual plate fixation is better than single plate fixation in intercondylar and supracondylar fractures of humerus

Family planning methods and gender distribution of children in a defined rural community of Peshawar

To determine frequency of different family planning methods in rural community of Peshawar and to determine gender composition of children in women practicing family planning. Data was collected from family planning program started with health education and motivation in the model community of Pakistan Medical Research Council at the village Budhni, Peshawar. The family planning method along with age of women, numbers of male and female children were recorded. Injection was a method of choice used by majority [59%] of the women. Most of the women 157 [28.3%] started family planning practice were in the age group of 26-30 years. Number of women having up to 04 children was greater [54.4%] than women [45.6%] having more than 04 children. Most [54%] of them had two male children at the time of starting of family planning. Out of 40 women with one child, 70% had one male child and 30% had a female child. Women having more male children were more likely to adopt family planning practices

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in rural adults of district Peshawar

In Pakistan, approximately 8 million people have diabetes mellitus, making it the fourth leading country in the list of world diabetic patients. To measure the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated risk factors in a rural community of Peshawar. A cross-sectional study conducted in PMRC model research community village of Budhni. All adults over the age of 40 years residing in the specific village were selected for the study. During door to door visit, consent was taken from all the subjects and they were informed that a fasting blood sugar level would be checked a day or two later. All those who consented were interviewed according to pre-designed proforma and their height, weight and blood pressure were recorded using standard methods. Fasting blood samples were drawn the next day and sent to PMRC research laboratory where they were checked using Microlab 200 Merck. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 6.0. According to American Diabetic Association criteria, fasting blood sugar level of >126 mg/dl was diagnosed. Estimated population of adults > 40 years in the village is 1249 individuals. Nine hundred nine [72.7%] consented to participate in the study. A total of 345 subjects were screened for diabetes using fasting blood sugar as the proxy indicator. Eighty one [23.4%] had blood sugar over 126 mg/dl and were therefore, diagnosed to be diabetic. Of these 81 cases 46[56.8%] were known diabetics while, 35[43.2%] were newly diagnosed. Majority [39] were between 51-60 years, followed by 29 between 40-50 years and remaining 13 subjects were above 60 years of age. Among the 46 known diabetics, 42[91.3%] were non insulin dependent and only 4[8.7%] were insulin dependent. The duration of diabetes was between 1-5 years in 26[57%] cases who were known diabetic's. Those individuals who were not sure about their exact duration of diabetes were 9[19%]. Cases with a family history of diabetes, were at twice more risk to develop diabetes as compared to those who had no family history [OR=1.86 [1.05

Results of type-III supracondylar fracture humerus with open reduction and internal fixation in children after failed closed reduction

Supracondylar fracture of humerus is the second most common fracture in children which account for 60-75% of all fractures around the elbow. There are various treatment modalities for type-III fracture, i.e., closed reduction and casting, skeletal traction, close reduction and percutaneous pinning and open reduction and internal fixation. This study was conducted to see the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation after failed closed reduction. This study was conducted in the Orthopaedics Departments of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar and Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from February 2007 to Nov 2007 on 30 children. Patients included were of either gender with age range from 5-12 years with displaced supracondylar fracture [type-III] after failed closed reduction. All fractures were fixed with two cross K-wires by open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were assessed both clinically and radiologically and results were tabulated according to Flynn criteria. Twenty-eight patients had excellent results while two had good results according to Flynn criteria. None of the patients had either fair or poor result. Open reduction and internal fixation is a good and reliable method after failed closed reduction and gives stable fixation with anatomical alignment

Evaluation of outcome of facet joints injections in low back pain

To find out outcome of short- and medium-term therapeutic efficacy of facet joint blocks. This descriptive interventional study was conducted in the Department of orthopaedic Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, over a period of nine months January, 2008 to September, 2008. All patients were more than 20 years and less than 70 years with low back pain who were not responding to oral medications and Physiotherapy were included in the study. The facet joint blocks were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. The initial pain response was assessed prospectively using Mac nab and Prolo pain assessment criteria. Additional data, including short-term effect [> 1 week] and medium-term effect [at 3 months], were collected by a structured review interview. A note was made of the results of various imaging studies done in these patients. Just for exclusion and inclusion purposes and not for assessment of outcome which was exclusively based on clinical assessment. A positive effect was seen in 37 patients [74%] and 28 [56%] patients in immediate [with in one week] and short term [after 6 weeks] period respectively, while lesser effect was found in 16 patients [33%] at medium term [after 3 months]. Facet joint blocks appear to have a beneficial medium-term effect in one third of patients with chronic lower back pain and may therefore be a reasonable adjunct to non-operative treatment. However, outcome appears to depend on clinical, not the morphologic, imaging findings

Pharmacokinetics for dose proportion; estimation of 250 mg cefaclor tablet in male volunteers

To estimate dose proportion for male volunteers by calculating pharmacokinetics following oral administration of Cefaclor [CCL] 250mg Tablet and to check the relative susceptibility of four bacterial strains. Randomized Clinical Trial, case series. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. From Mar 2006 to Feb 2007. Blood samples were collected for the period of 12 hours in heparinized tubes. Collected samples were centrifuged at 3000xg and plasma thus separated was stored at -10°C until further analysis. The CCL plasma concentration was determined via bioassay using disc diffusion method. Pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated using American Pharmacology Organization [APO] computer software. Renal Clearance [CL], volume of distribution [VD], time of Peak [T[max]], maximum plasma concentration [C[max], mean residence time [MRT], absorption half life, elimination half life and the Area Under plasma Concentration [AUC [t0tot12h] showed that the four bacterial strains have different susceptibility against cefaclor and administration of cefaclor at rate of 250 mg as tablet orally thrice daily maintained considerable concentration [>MIC] that prove it to be very effective for the treatment of specific infections in male volunteers

Modified French osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity

To evaluate the outcome of Modified French Osteotomy for correction of cubitus varus deformity. Descriptive quasi-experimental study from Feb. 2000 to Oct. 2003. Dept. of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. All children, aged 3-12 years, with cubitus earns deformity were included in the study. Pre-operative clinical as well as radiological assessment of upper extremities were done in all cases. Modified French osteotomy was done to correct the deformity. All patients were followed for seven months. Physical examination for the range of motion, scar and post-operative complications were assessed. Antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of the elbow were obtained, and the carrying angles and lateral condylar prominence index were measured and recorded. Out of the total 30 patients, 26 were male and four female. Left side was involved in 24 cases and the right side in six. The average age at the time of osteotomy was seven years [range 3%-12 years]. The average pre-operative carrying angle was 25.2° [range 18-30°] and the post-operative angle 8.7° [range 5-13° valgus]. The average preoperative range of motion was 122.6° [range 105-135°] and the post-operative range 123.86° [range 90-135°]. The average pre-operative lateral condylar prominence index [LCPI] was 175.56 [range 128-232] and the post-operative lateral condylar prominence 156 [range 100-240]. Based on Bellmore criteria, 25 patients showed excellent, three good and two a poor result. Modified French technique of supracondylar osteotomy has excellent results in the management of cubit vs varus in terms of cosmesis, radiological findings and fewer complications

Management of displaced supracondylar fracture of humerus in children by side arm traction

This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of Displaced Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus in children treated by side arm traction. Descriptive study from January 2003 to December 2005. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar 30 children with displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus who were treated with side arm traction and were available for at least six months follow-up. The technique of side arm traction was initially used in those children who presented with huge swelling and blister formation but later on it was used more frequently. The patients were put on side arm traction with commercially available adhesive straps and about 1.5 kg weight was applied to the cord over a pulley. The traction was continued for a period of about 2-3 weeks and after radiological assessment of reduction the children were put in a cast for another 2-3 weeks. Then at each follow-up the patients were assessed clinically for carrying angle, and the range of motion and the outcome was graded. Among the total 30 children that were treated, 18 were males and 12 were females. Their ages ranged from 2-12 years, with a mean age of 6.2 years. All patients had displaced Gart land Type III fractures. The average hospital stay was 21 days. There were no neurovascular injuries. The outcome according to Flynn criteria was graded as excellent in 63.3%, good in 23.3%,fair in 10% and poor in 3.3% cases. We conclude that side arm traction is a safe and effective method of treating displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children