Improved treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children utilizing the pontoon spica cast: a long-term follow-up.

Abstract

This prospective study looked at 91 pediatric femur fractures. Patients were randomized into two groups: (a) A traditional group treated with 3 weeks in traction followed by spica; and (b) a pontoon spica group in which patients were treated first with only a few days in traction and then with a 90-90 pins-in-plastic spica. The pontoon spica provides excellent short- and long-term results. These include (a) providing substantial cost savings; (b) causing much less inconvenience to the family and child; (c) reducing the number of inpatient days, thereby freeing hospital beds; (d) permitting early motion; (e) reducing the number of short-term complications; and (f) preventing excessive shortening while controlling rotation.