Evaluation of a Home-Based Traction Program for Children with Congenital Dislocated Hips and Legg Perthes Disease

Abstract

Home-based traction (HBT) is an alternative to hospital traction for children with congenital dislocated hips and Legg Perthes disease. In this study, we evaluated the acceptability, safety, psychological adjustment, and costs of an HBT program for 24 children and their parents. All parents found the program acceptable. There were no major treatment complications of traction, although 12.5% of children experienced skin irritation and discomfort. There were no major problems in psychological adjustment; mothers reported disruption in family functioning (p = .007), fathers reported stress in marital relationships (p = .012), and there was significantly greater overall distress for mothers than fathers (p = .051). The HBT program was found to be substantially less costly than conventional care when direct and indirect costs were considered.