Traction Spica Cast For Femoral-shaft Fractures In Children
Creator
Gracilla R V; Diaz H M; Penaranda N R; Pagsisilgan J M; Spiegel D A; Quirapas D; Reyes E R
Publisher
International Orthopaedics
Date
2003
2003-06
Description
We treated 20 children for an isolated femoral shaft fracture using distal tibial traction incorporated into a spica cast with the knee in full extension. Patients were discharged from the hospital at a mean of 5.1 days following injury. All fractures healed, and there were four minor complications. At a mean follow-up of 35 (13-72) months, all patients were asymptomatic with normal function. All but one fracture healed in acceptable alignment, and there was no clinically significant leg-length discrepancy. The method is relatively simple to employ and may be advantageous in a setting of limited resources.