Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: treatment by overhead skeletal traction.

A total of 120 children with severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in the absence of neurovascular deficit were treated by overhead skeletal traction. The results were assessed according to Flynn's criteria. After a mean follow-up period of 3.5 years, 68 children (56%) had an excellent result, 40 (34%) had a good result, 4 (3.5%) had a fair result, and 8 (6.5%) had a poor result. Cubitus varus was present in only 4 cases, which compares favorably with the results of operative treatment. The indications for overhead traction and the satisfactory results of this method are discussed.