Skin traction in hip spica casting for femoral fractures in children.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skin traction in hip spica casting when applied as the standard treatment for children with femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: A total of 207 patients with femoral fractures were treated with this method. The average age was 4.7 years. After the application of skin traction, the fracture of the femur was reduced and was placed in a hip spica cast. Traction was continued in the cast. RESULTS: All fractures united within 4-8 weeks. No significant residual angular deformities were seen in any of the children. The only complication was refracture in two children who fell after removal of the cast. None of the children required external shoe lifts, epiphysiodesis, antibiotics, irrigation, or débridement. CONCLUSIONS: Skin traction and a well-molded hip spica cast is a safe, reliable treatment option for isolated, closed femoral fractures in children 2-7 years of age.