Home traction in the management of congenital dislocation of the hip.

A form of axial fraction has been devised for the premanipulative management of a child with congenital dislocation of the hip. This set-up makes it possible to maintain a child in his own home while gently pulling the head of the femur down to the level of the acetabulum. Home traction has proven to be a simple, extremely safe method of management of congenital dislocation of the hip, with an exceptionally low incidence of avascular necrosis. It requires only that adequate instruction and supervision are available to the family. It helps to reduce the stress on the child inherent with hospitalization and on the parents with dividing their time and energy between the hospitalized child and their family at home. Home traction and is as effective as hospital traction and is far more acceptable to he parents and child.