Suspension Traction for Femur Frx

Discussion

• is preferred by many for use in older children and adolescents;
• skeletal traction is applied w/ Steinman pin inserted thru distal femur;
  • see: insertion technique
  • knee should be flexed 30 deg to relax the hamstrings;
• deformity:
  • w/ mid shaft frx, there is tendency is toward posterior angulation;
• to restore the normal anterior bowing of femur, knee should be in flexion to relax the gastrocnemius muscle;
• medial or lateral angulation may be corrected by aligning distal frag, w/ proximal one or by changing the direction of the pull, or both;
• in about 3-4 weeks, callus will usually be seen on x-rays;
  • traction may be removed & frx is immobilized in hip spica cast for an additional 3-5 weeks at which time it will be solidly healed

References

• Skeletal traction for fractures of the femoral shaft in children. A long-term study.