Question
The type of traction shown in the picture below , is used in management of fracture shaft ?
A. Femur.
B. Tibia.
C. Humerus.
D. Ulna.
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A Explanation |
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Gallows traction is used for treatment of fracture shaft femur, in infants and children < 2 yrs of age.
Fracture shaft femur in infant and young children
- It is published that upto one half of infants and young children who sustain femur fractures are victims of child abuse and child abuse occurs in 50 – 80% of children (< 2 years of age) with femoral fracture.
- Other causes of fracture are osteogenesis imperfecta (blue sclera, hearing loss, multiple fracture), bone tumors (eosinophilic granuloma, aneurysmal bone cyst).
- Fracture heals within 2 weeks in infant and children upto 2 years of age.
Treatment depends upon the age of the patient : ‑
1. Conservative : – It is the treatment of choice in children.
- 0-2 yeas :- Plaster spica or modified Bryant or Gallow’s traction or pavllic harness (< 6 month of age).
- 2-10 years : – Split Russel traction
- 10-15 years : – 90-90° femoral skeletal traction.
2. Surgical
- Surgery is done less commonly in children.
- It is indicated in older children when closed reduction by conservative treatment is not possible.
- Intramedullar titanium elastic nailing is the surgery of choice.