Elbow dislocation during overhead skeletal traction therapy: a case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children.
• Overhead skeletal traction is a treatment option for certain complex fractures.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old boy developed an elbow dislocation while undergoing overhead skeletal traction for a supracondylar humerus fracture.
• The dislocation was managed with closed reduction.

Findings:

• This case represents a rare complication of overhead skeletal traction in pediatric fracture management.
• Literature review did not identify prior reports of elbow dislocation during this specific treatment modality.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential risks associated with overhead skeletal traction in pediatric patients.
• Suggests vigilance for elbow joint complications during traction therapy for humerus fractures.
• Informs orthopedic surgeons about a previously undocumented adverse event in pediatric fracture care.