Displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children treated by overhead olecranon traction

A simple method is described of treating severely displaced, supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, and the results are reviewed. Treatment involves the use of overhead traction via an olecranon screw and a traction clip. Of 12 children treated in this way, 11 had excellent results with preservation of the normal carrying angle, and no significant loss of movement in any plane. There were no complications of the treatment and no cases of cubitus varus.