Improvised Bryant's traction in the treatment of neonatal femoral fractures

Abstract

Background: Femoral fractures in the neonatal period could occur in vaginal or caesarean deliveries. Options of treatment in the neonate include  hip spica cast application, use of Pavlik harness and Bryant's traction.
Aim: To report our experience utilizing improvised Bryant's traction in the treatment of neonatal femoral fractures.
Methods: A study of consecutive neonates  with femoral fractures following caesarean section managed by the authors from 1^st January 2007 to 31^st October 2011 utilizing improvised Bryant's traction at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and private clinics in Port Harcourt. The improvised Bryant's traction was assembled using readily available materials. The Bryant's traction was applied for 2-3 weeks in hospital followed by hip spica application for another 3 weeks.
Results: During the period, 18 patients were seen, 12 males and 6 females. Their birth weights ranged from 3.2 to 3.8 kg and they were all singleton. All the fractures united satisfactorily with no deformity or limb length discrepancy. There were no vascular or skin complications in any of the patients.
Conclusion: Improvised Bryant's traction can safely be utilized in the hospital treatment of neonatal femoral fractures.

Keywords: Bryant's traction, Improvised, Neonate, Femur, Fractures