What is Bryant's traction used for?

Bryant's traction is used to treat femoral fractures and congenital hip dislocation, as the Free Dictionary notes. It is primarily used on young children, according to PubMed Central.

Bryant's traction is typically chosen for children under the age of 2 who weigh less than 25 pounds, notes Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. The procedure is also commonly used instead of spica casting as an immobilization method after bladder exstrophy surgery, according to Unbound Medline. However, Bryant's traction can result in further complications if used on children over the age of 2, including skin necrosis, muscle necrosis and circulatory impairment, notes PubMed Central.