EVALUATION OF OUTCOMES IN THE TREATMENT OF FEMORAL FRACTURES IN CHILDREN USING THE RUSSELL TRACTION METHOD AND CASTING

Nam Võ Quang Đình, Kiên Trịnh

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Abstract

Introduction: Continuous traction and casting remain commonly applied methods, yet there is a lack of comprehensive research evaluating the success rates of traction realignment and monitoring the developmental process of the fractured bone post-healing. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of bone healing and functional recovery using the Russell traction method and casting, as well as to assess common complications associated with Russell traction. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of 115 pediatric patients aged 24–98 months with femoral fractures treated using Russell traction and casting, with a follow-up period of 20–56 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Flynn criteria. Results: The average hospital stay was 12.8 days, and the average duration of casting was 4.9 weeks (range: 3–8 weeks). Post-traction outcomes included complete correction of overlap in 70 cases (60.9%), overlap less than 1 cm in 44 cases (38.3%), and overlap between 1–2 cm in 1 case (0.9%). Complications occurred in 19 patients (16.3%), with localized complications such as blister formation and skin slippage observed in 13 patients. According to the Flynn criteria, the overall outcomes were very good in 95 cases (82.6%), good in 19 cases (16.5%), and poor in 1 case (0.9%). Conclusion: The Russell traction method effectively reduces overlap and angular displacement. Over a follow-up period of 21–56 months, the outcomes were very good in 82.6% of cases, good in 16.5%, and poor in 0.9%, with one case experiencing axial deviation of 120 degrees.

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References

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