Primary Article

Preoperative Skeletal Traction in Legg-Perthes Disease

Authors: JOHN T. KILLIAN MD, KURT M.W. NIEMANN MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In four of 11 patients with Legg-Perthes disease for which a varus femoral osteotomy was planned, routine split Russell traction failed to produce complete preoperative containment. Preoperative skeletal traction was used to distract the joint, displace the extruded lateral physis below the acetabular margin, and then reintroduce the femoral head into the acetabulum with progressive abduction. The femoral heads were rated postoperatively as good (two cases), fair (two cases), and poor (one case). Preoperative skeletal traction is an adjunctive treatment method for patients with “hinge abduction” in whom a varus femoral osteotomy is indicated.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References