Domiciliary management of simple femoral fractures in children.

Twenty-six children with a simple fracture of one femur were nursed at home while on gallows traction, under the supervision of health visitors. The average stay in hospital before they were allowed home on traction was 8,5 days. A control group of 28 children with similar fractures, who were nursed only in hospital, spent an average of 34 days in hospital. No complications of treatment were encountered in either group. It is suggested that when there is an efficient health visiting service, children with uncomplicated fractures of the femur can be nursed at home, with benefit to the hospital, the child, and his family.