Reduction of neglected traumatic dislocation of the hip by heavy traction

Heavy traction treatment was applied to seven patients with old isolated posterior dislocation of the hip. Traction of seven to eighteen kilograms applied under sedation for five to seventeen days allowed over-reduction of the dislocation. Then gradual reduction of the femoral head into the acetabulum was accomplished by reducing the traction and abducting the limb. The results were good to excellent. In six patients there was no evidence of avascular necrosis or osteoarthritis during a follow-up period of from six months to three years. The femoral heads became fully concentric. The method failed in one patient in whom the dislocation was of nine months' duration and in whome a comminuted fracture of the acetabulum and other fractures of the pelvis were also present.