Overhead Traction is used for which injury?

• A. Subtrochanteric and proximal third fracture of the femur
• B. For S-Type Scoliosis
• C. Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
• D. For poliomyelitis with residual paralysis of the hip and knee

Answer: (C)

Overhead traction provides a continuous, gentle pull along the length of the limb using a pulley system to help realign and stabilize a fracture. This is especially effective for fractures near the elbow in children, such as a supracondylar fracture of the humerus, because the gradual, controlled reduction helps bring the distal fragment into proper position and maintains alignment while the injury is immobilized or readied for definitive treatment. It counteracts the deforming forces from surrounding muscles and soft tissues, reducing the chance of further displacement during the healing period. This approach isn’t used for lower limb injuries, scoliosis, or polio-related paralysis situations, where different management strategies are preferred.