A simple form of overhead olecranon traction has been used to treat 27 children with severely displaced supracondylar fractures, in whom a satisfactory reduction could not be obtained by closed means. All the children were assessed clinically and radiologically at an average of 54 weeks after injury. Twenty-two children (81%) had an excellent result, with preservation of the normal carrying angle and no significant loss of movement; the other five children had a good result. Only two children (7%) were left with a minimal cubitus varus deformity. The method is technically easy to perform and has not been associated with significant complications.