role of skeletal traction in management of supracondylar humerus fracture in children

ABSTRACT

Twenty eight cases [19 male 9 female] suffering from supracondylar fracture of the humerus [grade III] were treated between 1993 and 1997. The mean age was 4.6 years. In this study we used only one method of-treatment [overhead olecranon traction]. The mean follow up was 2.4 years [range 1-4 years]. 11 patients were assessed subjectively, objectively and radiographically. Our results after traction showed that 19 patients [67.9%] were excellent, 7 patients [25%] good and two patients [7.1%] fair. The main complication encountered in this study was superficial infection and screw loosening in two patients [7.1%]. We concluded that grade III supracondylar fracture humerus [extension type] with severe swelling can be treated primarily by simple method of overhead skeletal traction with a final satisfactory result: