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

ABSTRACT

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