Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children by early spica casting

Eighty-five children with femoral shaft fractures were studied prospectively to determine the benefits of early application of a single-hip spica cast. They were compared with 85 children with similar fractures treated by skin traction for 4 weeks followed by a spica cast for 2 weeks. The study revealed that femoral shaft fractures in children can be treated in a single-hip spica cast with results comparable to those achieved by traction. The additional advantages were substantial savings in cost, early reunion of child with parents and increased availability of beds.