Modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy in neglected femoral neck fractures in children: a report of 10 cases followed for a minimum of 5 years

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of a modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy (MPIO) in neglected femoral neck fractures in children. DESIGN: Prospective study with retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary care Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS: Ten children (8 males, 2 females) with an average age of 10.2 years with neglected femoral neck fractures were seen from 1990 to 1998. A femoral neck fracture was considered neglected when no proper medical treatment was instituted for at least 1 month following the fracture. Nonunion was accompanied by coxa vara and resorption of the femoral neck in 9 patients; a 10th patient had a neglected femoral neck fracture for 1 month without coxa vara. Three patients at time of presentation with Delbet Type II displaced fractures with associated nonunion and coxa vara (2 with Ratliff Type III and 1 with Type I) also had avascular necrosis using plain radiographic criteria of increased density. INTERVENTION: Modified Pauwels' intertrochanteric osteotomy. The children were immobilized in a hip spica for 6-10 weeks postoperatively and weightbearing was started after hip spica removal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture healing, neck-shaft angle, avascular necrosis, and functional outcome. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 8.2 years (range 5-12 years). All patients had union of their fracture within an average of 16.6 weeks (12-20 weeks) and of the osteotomy site within 8.2 weeks (7-9 weeks). Radiologic signs of avascular necrosis disappeared completely in the 3 patients who presented with avascular necrosis. In 1 patient with a preoperatively viable femoral head, radiologic signs of Ratliff Type I avascular necrosis appeared between 60 and 98 weeks. This radiologic finding became normal again, indicating viability of the femoral head somewhere between 98 to 205 weeks of follow-up. Postoperatively, an average of 135-degree neck-shaft angle was achieved (range 125-160 degrees). The average preoperative neck-shaft angle was 104.4 degrees (range 92-120 degrees) and on the normal hip side it was 127.7 degrees (range 124-132 degrees). Significant improvement in the neck-shaft angle was seen compared with the preoperative angle (P < 0.001) and normal hip angle (P < 0.05). Coxa vara and signs of chondrolysis were not observed in any of the patients. Premature proximal femoral epiphyseal closure resulting in a 1-cm and a 1.5-cm leg-length discrepancy was seen in 2 patients as compared with their normal side. A mild Trendelenburg gait was observed in 1 patient (10%). Using Ratliff's criteria, 9 patients (90%) were graded as a good result and 1 patient (10%) was graded as a fair result. The osteotomy plate was removed in 1 patient (10%). CONCLUSION: An MPIO creates a biomechanical environment conducive to healing of a neglected femoral neck nonunion in a child while simultaneously correcting an associated coxa vara. The procedure also seems to have a biological role in helping restore viability to a noncollapsed femoral head with avascular necrosis.     

Congenital coxa vara: computed tomographic analysis of femoral retroversion and the triangular metaphyseal fragment

Three patients with congenital coxa vara studied with two- and three-dimensional computed tomographic (2DCT and 3DCT) methods are reported. In all cases, the femoral retroversion was documented and subsequently corrected by proximal femoral osteotomy. In two patients with isolated coxa vara, the physeal-femoral neck angle was decreased as seen in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in adolescents. Our studies suggest that the triangular metaphyseal fragment reflects a Salter-Harris type II separation pattern through the defective femoral neck. The epiphysis and attached triangular fragment slip from the normal superoanterior portion of the neck in an inferior-posterior direction. The treating surgeon should be aware of the often marked femoral retroversion component present in severe congenital coxa vara. This knowledge allows surgical planning for corrective osteotomies that will better normalize hip mechanics. A combination of marked valgus and flexion with internal rotation of the distal fragment are required to fully correct the deformity.     

PFNA及倒置 LISS钢板治疗股骨近端骨折的对比研究

 目的探讨股骨近端螺旋刀片抗旋髓内钉(proximal femoral nail antirotation blade,PFNA)和倒置股骨远端锁定接骨板(less invasive stabilization system,LISS)治疗股骨近端骨折合并髋内翻畸形患者的临床疗效并进行对比分析。方法回顾性分析 2007年 6月至 2010年 6月采用 PFNA和倒置 LISS钢板内固定治疗且随访时间超过 10个月的股骨近端骨折合并髋内翻畸形患者 46例的病例资料.采用 PFNA内固定治疗者 24例.采用倒置 LISS钢板内固定治疗者 22例。所有患者术后 6h开始不负重状态下功能锻炼。对比分析两组患者术前美国麻醉学会(American society of anesthesiologists,ASA)评分、手术时间和术中失血量、术后完全负重时间、骨折愈合时间、Parker-Palmer活动评分和颈干角角度丢失的情况。结果 所有患者获得 10~12个月随访.平均 11.2个月。两组术前 ASA评分、手术时间、术中失血量和末次随访 Parker-Palmer活动评分的差异均无统计学意义。倒置 LISS钢板组完全负重时间和骨折愈合时间较 PFNA组延长.颈干角角度丢失减少。结论 PFNA固定允许患者早期负重;但对于骨质疏松严重、内固定切割风险较高的患者.倒置 LISS钢板固定有助于降低术后髋内翻的发生率。     

Conservative management of bilateral femoral neck fractures in a child with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis

Management of minimally displaced femoral neck fractures in paediatric patients with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO) remains unclear as only small numbers have been reported. There are no detailed reports on successful conservative treatment. Common causes of failure in this particular area include non-union and development of coxa vara. Although there are no quantitative studies, case reports have influenced most authors to recommend operative treatment. It is well recognised that operative treatment of osteopetrotic bone is challenging. Problems arise intraoperatively due to the bone hardness, and postoperatively due to altered biomechanics and defective remodelling. This case of a child with ADO who suffered two asynchronous compression-side stress fractures in the femoral neck demonstrates that non-operative management can be satisfactory. After 8 weeks with partial weight-bearing the fractures were stable. At the latest follow-up 2.5 and 4 years after the fractures the patient presented with an excellent clinical and radiological outcome. There was no development of coxa vara.     

Post-traumatic coxa vara in children following screw fixation of the femoral neck

Background and purpose

The rare displaced fractures of the femoral neck in children need accurate reduction and rigid fixation. The implants commonly used for internal fixation in children are pins or screws. We evaluated the long-term outcome in children who sustained fractures of the proximal femur that were treated by screw fixation.

Patients and methods

All 22 children (mean age 12 (5–16) years) with fractures of the femoral neck that were treated with screw fixation (mean 2.4 (1–3) screws) at our department between 1990 and 2006 were evaluated. For measurement of outcome, the Harris hip score (HHS) was used and the development of post-traumatic coxa vara was assessed from the difference in the neck-shaft angle postoperatively and at the latest follow-up examination, after mean 4 (2–15) years.

Results

A loss of reduction was observed in 12 patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between the HHS and the changes in the neck-shaft angle.

Interpretation

Loss of reduction was found in more than half of the children. Screw fixation cannot be recommended for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in children due to a substantial number of post-traumatic coxa vara.     

Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade and reverse less invasive stabilization system‐distal femur systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures

Objective: To compare the effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade (PFNA) and reverse less invasive stabilization system‐distal femur (Liss‐DF) systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures. Methods: Between June 2007 and October 2009, 41 proximal femoral fractures were treated, 22 with PFNA (group A) and 19 with reverse LISS‐DF plates (group B). The time to starting full weight‐bearing, fracture healing time, functional recovery (Parker and Palmer mobility score), neck‐shaft angle discrepancies with the intact contralateral hip, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, the operation durations and amount of intraoperative bleeding were recorded and compared. Results: The mean follow‐up period was 11.2 months (range, 10–12 months). Compared with Group A, Group B showed a statistically longer mean time to bear full body weight and heal their fractures, but a smaller neck‐shaft angle discrepancy (all P < 0.05). The groups were similar in ASA score, operation duration, amount of intraoperative bleeding and Parker and Palmer mobility score. Conclusion: Both PFNA and reverse Liss‐DF were satisfactory for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, but had different advantages. PFNA allowed earlier weight‐bearing and accelerated fracture healing. Reverse Liss‐DF more effectively avoided coxa vara and may be indicated for patients with very severe osteoporosis.     

Fibular osteosynthesis for delayed type II and type III femoral neck fractures in children.

Seventeen transcervical/basal femoral neck fractures in children were treated by free fibular graft and cancellous lag screw. Two cases were failures of a previous surgery, and 15 had been untreated for 3 weeks or more. Four cases had radiological evidence of avascular necrosis of the head and one of the neck preoperatively; five cases had neck resorption. At an average of 48.1 months postsurgery all fractures had united and there was only one new case of avascular necrosis. Four cases had coxa vara, and four cases had premature epiphyseal closure. There were 13 good, three fair, and one poor result(s) using Ratliff's criteria. We recommend this procedure in cases with delayed initial appearance or failed previous surgery. Complications of the procedure such as long screw/graft and fibular fracture are preventable. The incidence of coxa vara in cases with neck resorption may be reduced by adding subtrochanteric osteotomy to the procedure.     

Femoral neck fracture secondary to in situ pinning of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: a previously unreported complication

Two patients developed femoral neck fractures as a complication of in situ pinning for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by surgeons who each used a cannulated screw system. Both patients exhibited recurrent hip pain, femoral neck fracture, and coxa vara after asymptomatic postoperative intervals of 2 and 6 months, respectively. The fracture in one patient healed with weight relief alone: the other persisted, requiring a vascularized pedicle bone graft. Bone biopsy at surgery disclosed avascular necrosis (AVN). Based on preliminary studies of heat production during reaming, we speculate that these fractures developed through areas of AVN secondary to thermal injury.     

Congenital bilateral short femur complicated by stress fracture. A case report

Congenital malformation of the femur is an uncommon but complex problem. Short femur with proximal deficiency (Kalamchi type III) is part of this congenital anomaly. If the precautions associated with progressive coxa vara and bowing in the femoral shaft are not taken, stress fractures may occur in the femoral neck and the femoral shaft. We report on a 38-year-old female with type III-A congenital malformation of both femurs who presented the complications mentioned and had not been treated before. This case is instructive because it illustrates the complications developed in patients who have not been treated.     

Coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest in patients who had neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

This is a retrospective review of four patients in whom a pattern of coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest and metaphyseal irregularities developed. These patients were all treated with neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and presented with a progressive gait disturbance and pain, leg-length discrepancy, and limited abduction. Imaging revealed coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest. Two patients (three hips) underwent proximal femoral valgus osteotomy, one patient underwent fixation of a femoral neck fracture with subsequent greater trochanter transfer, and one patient is being observed. This case series suggests an association between neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and this unusual pattern of coxa vara with proximal femoral growth arrest.     

Coxa vara in spina bifida

In spina bifida the femoral neck can develop either the well-known coxa valga or the hitherto unreported coxa vara. Twenty-three cases of coxa vara in spina bifida are reported. These result from spontaneous separation of the upper femoral epiphysis (10 cases), spontaneous fracture of the femoral neck (three cases) and iatrogenic avascular necrosis of the upper femoral epiphysis (10 cases).     

Nonunion of Stress Fracture of Femoral Neck in a Child Managed with Valgus Osteotomy

Stress fracture of the femoral neck is very rare in children with an open upper femoral physis. There are only a few cases reported in the literature with most of these fatigue fractures of femoral neck managed conservatively. Some fractures require internal fixation either for displacement or for nonunion. A 7-year-old girl with a fatigue fracture of the femoral neck is presented, which resulted in coxa vara and functional disability. She was managed with valgus osteotomy and internal fixation using a dynamic hip screw. This resulted in union of the fracture site with good functional outcome.     

两种髓内钉治疗股骨转子间骨折的回顾性分析

目的比较自制股骨颈轴向控制髓内钉(axial controlled intramedullary nail of the femoral neck简称ACINFN钉)与A-P型Gamma钉治疗股骨转子间骨折的远期疗效.方法运用影像学,术后患肢功能和术后并发症对48例ACINFN钉,66例A-P型Gamma钉术后随访进行综合评定.结果ACINFN钉术后解剖复位率83.33%.髋关节功能优良率达93.75%.术后并发症异位骨化4例,占8.33%;异物残留1例,占2.08%;无内固定断裂、颈螺钉穿出股骨头、髋内翻和继发性股骨骨折等严重并发症发生.明显优于A-P型Gamma钉.结论ACINFN钉具有创伤小,解剖复位率高,髋关节功能恢复好和并发症少的优点,不失为治疗股骨转子周围部骨折可供选择的方法之一.     

Fractures of the neck of the femur in children

Summary In a retrospecitve multicenter study we followed-up 30 fractures of the neck of the femur in children aged 11 years (1.5–15 years) for 4.8 years (0.5–20.0 years). It is the aim of this study to analyse factors possibly related to outcome, like age at injury, type of fracture, interval between injury and treatment, method of stabilization and postoperative interval until full weight bearing. At follow-up subjective parameters (pain, weather sensitiveness), clinical parameters (range of motion, claudication, leg length discrepancies) and radiological parameters (hip series) were investigated and medical charts and roentgenograms were reviewed using a standardized protocol. 29 of 30 children (96.7 %) have sustained displaced fractures. Non-operative treatment has been applied in 4 children. 26 femoral neck fractures (type I: 1, type II: 8, type III: 17) were stabilized by internal fixation using screws and/or pins. Following non-operative treatment one child suffered a coxa vara and another child suffered a avascular femoral head necrosis in combination with coxa vara and leg length shortening of 4 cm. Following operative treatment 9 of 26 children (34.6 %) sufferred a avascular femoral head necrosis and 3 children (11.5 %) suffered a coxa vara. In 6 of 26 children (23 %) we observed leg length discrepancies > 2 cm. We were not able to demonstrate any significant follow-up result differencies between the groups of children who have sustained type II or type III fractures, or between the groups of children aged < 10 years when compared to children aged > 10 years, or between the group of children who were operated on within 6 hours after the accident when compared to the group of children operated > 6 hours after the accident. We observed no significant follow-up result differences between the groups of children who had different intervals between operation and full weight bearing. Operative fracture management remains the treatment of choice in the majority of displaced femoral neck fractures in children. However, in our limited study we were not able to demonstrate any significant follow-up result differences between the group of children treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation (interval injury – operation < 6 hours) when compared to children who had been operated > 6 hours after the injury.      

Bilateral stress fractures of femoral neck in non-athletes: a report of four cases

Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSFs) are rare,constituting only 5％ of all stress fractures in young adults.These fractures are usually seen in athletes,military recruits and patients with underlying m...     

Arthrotomy and open reduction of the displaced fracture of the femoral neck in children

The objective of the study was to examine the efficacy of limited arthrotomy coupled with open reduction and internal fixation to minimize potential complications of vascular disruption of the capital femoral physis and femoral epiphysis. It was a patient outcome study. Skeletally immature patients with femoral neck fractures were treated according to a protocol in which all patients underwent limited arthrotomy with decompression of the intercapsular hematoma, open reduction and internal fixation. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging studies were carried out on patients to assess whether avascular necrosis developed in the postoperative period. Patients were followed for a mean length of 2 years 8 months, with a range of 2 years to 5.5 years. Twelve patients had good results and one had fair results using Ratliff criteria. No patient developed avascular necrosis (ischemic necrosis), coxa vara, nonunion or premature epiphyseal closure. This study supports the hypothesis that limited decompression of the intracapsular hematoma in children with femoral neck fractures may be a factor in obviating the subsequent appearance of ischemic disruption of the epiphysis and physis.     

截骨矫形钢板固定治疗股骨近段纤维结构不良伴髋内翻畸形

目的 探讨股骨转子下截骨矫形、动力髋或髁螺钉系统固定治疗股骨近段纤维结构不良(fibrous dysplasia,FD)伴髋内翻畸形的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2001年4月至2010年5月收治的26例股骨FD伴髋内翻畸形患者的临床资料,男9例,女17例;年龄10～53岁,中位年龄19岁.单骨型14例,多骨型12例.病灶长度为多骨型9～36 cm(平均19 cm),单骨型7～15 cm(平均9 cm);17例合并病理性骨折;术前颈干角65°～110°(平均92°),患肢短缩1.5～4.5cm(平均2.8 cm).21例病灶累及股骨颈者采用髋螺钉固定,5例未累及股骨颈者采用髁螺钉固定.结果 手术时间80～170 min(平均120min),出血量280～1650ml(平均960ml).术后颈干角为119°～140°(平均127°);患肢平均延长2.3 cm(1.5～3.6 cm).随访9～118个月(平均39个月),截骨面均愈合.除1例颈干角从术后126°减小到术后56个月的115°,其余患者无髋内翻畸形复发,无内固定断裂或松动.1例股骨颈变短、髋螺钉沿滑槽滑动,但螺钉未切割股骨头;1例术后7年外伤后钢板远端处股骨干骨折.根据Guille的功能评价标准,24例满意、2例不满意.结论 转子下截骨矫形、动力髋或髁螺钉系统内固定能有效地纠正股骨上段FD伴髋内翻畸形,改善患肢功能.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of subtrochanteric osteotomy plus dynamic hip/condyle screw (DHS/DCS)fixation to treat the fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur with coxa vara.Methods Twenty-six clinical cases of femoral fibrous dysplasia with coxa vara were retrospectively analysed from April 2001 to May 2010.There were 9 males and 17 females,with a median age of 19(10 to 53).Forteen patients presented with monostotic disease,and 12 with polyostotic disease.The length of the lesion for polyostotic disease was from 9 cm to 36 cm,while for monostotic disease was from 7 cm to 15 cm.Seventeen cases were merged with pathologic fracture.The neck shaft angles were from 65 to 110 degree preoperation.The shortage of limbs was from 1.5 cm to 4.5 cm.Twenty-one patients involved in femoral neck were fixed with DHS and the other 5 cases with DCS.Results The duration of operation was from 80 to 170 min.The amout of bleeding was from 280 to 1650 ml with the average of 960 ml.The average postoperative neck shaft angles were 127 degree(119 to 140).The shortened limbs were extended 2.3 cm for average (1.5 to 3.6 cm).The follow-up time was from 9 to 118 months with the average of 39 months.All patients with osteotomy were healed.The neck shaft angle of 1 case decreased from post-operative 126°to 115°56months post-operatively,no coxa adducta recurrented and all internal fixations were in position.Hip screw backed out through the barrel in one case with the shortage of femoral neck.One case had femoral fracture after an injury.According to Guille function standard,24 cases were regarded as satisfied and 2 cases as unsatisfied.Conclusion Subtroehanteric osteotomy plus DHS/DCS fixation can effectively correct the fibrous dysplasia of the proximal femur with coxa vara,and significantly improve the function.     

Complications associated with fracture of the neck of the femur in children.

We reviewed 16 children with 16 displaced fractures of the femoral neck associated with complications. One was a transepiphyseal fracture, 12 were transcervical fractures, and three were basocervical fractures. The mean age at time of fracture was 11 years 7 months (range, 4 years 6 months to 16 years), and the mean length of follow-up after fracture was 6 years 11 months (range, 2-24 years). Complications in this series were avascular necrosis (AVN) (14 patients), nonunion (seven patients), premature physeal closure (15 patients), chondrolysis (seven patients), and coxa vara (two patients). Avascular necrosis, nonunion, and chondrolysis were associated with a poor outcome. Coxa vara or premature physeal closure alone was not responsible for a poor result.     

Distal Transfer of the Greater Trochanter in Coxa Vara

Seven patients (nine hips) who suffered from coxa vara were treated by distal transfer of the greater trochanter. the operation eliminated or markedly diminished the preoperative Trendelenburg sign, thus improving gait. in three patients (four hips) operated upon at the ages of 9 and 12 years, the initial coxa vara was converted into an almost normal valgus femoral neck. There was one poor result due to technical failure.     

High prevalence of coxa vara in patients with severe osteogenesis imperfecta

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical presentation of coxa vara in 283 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The charts and X-rays of 150 girls and 133 boys with OI were reviewed. The patients were classified according to the Sillence classification modified by Glorieux: 94 type I, 90 type IV, 67 type III, 18 type V, 10 type VI, and 4 type VII. The mean age was 9.4 years (range 0.3-23.3). Twenty-nine patients (10.2%) had coxa vara (23 left and 20 right). Fifty-five percent of them were type III, 24% type IV, 13.8% type VI, and 3.4% each of types V and VII. The incidence of coxa vara was 6% in type V, 8% in type IV, 24% in type III, 25% in type VII, and 40% in type VI (P < 0.001 for difference between types I, III, and IV). The mean neck-shaft angle was 99 degrees (range 80-110 degrees), the average head-shaft angle was 104 degrees (range 90-120 degrees), and the mean Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle was 68 degrees (range 40-90 degrees). Twenty-five patients (36 hips) had previous femoral rodding before diagnosis and seven hips (all type III) had no history of rodding. Abduction and internal rotation of the hip joints were restricted in all patients with this deformity. All children with coxa vara had a Trendelenburg gait. In conclusion, coxa vara in OI is not rare, especially in severe forms of the disease. Regular clinical and radiologic follow-up is indicated in children with previous femoral rodding and in severely affected children, particularly those with OI type III.