COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AS COMPLICATION OF SKIN TRACTION, IN CHILDREN WITH FEMORAL FRACTURES

We report the history of two 3-year-old children with femoral shaft fr actures, who developed severe compartment syndromes following skin tra ction. Both children were admitted in our department for treatment of their compartment syndromes. In both, important and permanent disabili ty persisted. The causative role of the skin traction is proven by the fact that in one infant, the compartment syndrome developed in the no nfractured Limb. Cautious application of skin traction, conscientious observation, immediate diagnosis, and aggressive treatment of threaten ing compartment syndromes will prevent these tragic complications!