The following are the authors' indications for the treatment of fractures of the hip in children, based on observations in this group of cases and on theoretical considerations:
Type I: Transepiphyseal fractures:
A. Without dislocation of femoral head: gentle closed manipulation and insertion of two or three parallel Knowles pins. The capsule of the hip joint should not be opened.
B. With dislocation of femoral head: open reduction, internal fixation with two or three Knowles pins, and prolonged non-weight-bearing.
Type II: Transcervical: gentle closed manipulative reduction and insertion of two or three Knowles pins. The capsule of the hip joint should not be opened.
Type III: Cervicotrochanteric:
A. If fragments are separated: gentle closed manipulative reduction and insertion of two or three Knowles pins.
B. If fragments are not separated: a Hoke-Martin traction cast, or a Whitman abduction cast.
Type IV: Intertrochanteric: gentle closed manipulative reduction and application of a Hoke-Martin tractions cast.