The value of preliminary overhead traction in the closed management of DDH.

We aimed to discover whether there is a difference in incidence of growth disturbances of the proximal femoral epiphysis and final results in two similar groups of children with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) treated with (107 hips) and without (48 hips) overhead traction. The only variable between the groups was the use of preliminary traction. All children were followed up until at least the age of 14 years. Pre-reduction traction should be used among children treated non-operatively for DDH who are older than one year of age and/or have high-dislocated hips. In cases that are diagnosed late, this treatment would reduce the risk of severe growth disturbances and increase the probability of a favourable long-term outcome.