Salter-Harris type II fractures of the capital femoral epiphysis

Salter-Harris type II fractures of the capital femoral epiphysis have not been previously documented. The authors have treated three patients who sustained four such fractures. One child had a recurrent fracture two years after the first had healed satisfactorily. Two fractures were treated by spica cast immobilization, one fracture by closed reduction and internal fixation, and the other fracture healed without treatment. No patient developed avascular necrosis or other complications. Two of the children had an association with idiopathic slipped capital femoral epiphysis. An etiologic relationship with slipped capital femoral epiphysis, if any, is uncertain.     

Different types of femoral shaft fracture; different types of treatment: their effects on postoperative lower llimb discrepancy

Femoral shaft fracture in child is a disabling injury. Different methods of treatment can be used for femoral shaft fracture and depends on patient condition.THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to evaluate lower limb discrepancy following different method of treatment and possible related factors especially type of fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS. This retrospective cross sectional study was carried out in Imam Khomeini and Razi Hospital from 2003-2007 on children admitted to hospital with femur fracture. All children aged <12 years of age with diagnosis of femoral shaft fracture were included in this study. Different methods of treatment were flexible intramedullary nailing, rigid intramedullary nailing with Steinmann pin and spica casting, spica casting and closed reduction, and ORIF with plate and screw. Distance from hip to knee for each patient was determined in scanograms. Sex, age, side of involvement, type of fracture were recorded for each case. Analysis was done with SPSS ver. 16.0. ANOVAs, Chi-Square, and t-Test were used with CI=95%. RESULTS. In this study, 253 cases (M=182, F=71) were included. One hundred forty-six (57.7%) cases had right involvement and 107 (42.3%) of cases had left side involvement. From all cases, 135(53.4%) cases had no changes in lower limb length. Eleven (4.3%) cases had lower limb shortening and 107(42.3%) cases had lower limb lengthening. Type A1 and type A2 showed greatest lower limb discrepency among cases who underwent ORIF with screw & plate fixation, and spica casting with closed reduction respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS. There is significant difference among surgical and non surgical treatment for LLD. Spica casting and closed reduction has the least changes compared to other methods. Sex, side of involvement, type of fracture, and location had no effect in post operative length changes. Type of fracture, only, has a role in screw and plate fixation group and this is may be due to the differences between A1 and A3 fractures. Most of the changes were seen in the range of 60 through 120 months of age. Most of the changes were in the range +10 to +20 mm.     

Pediatric femoral fractures: a systematic review of 2422 cases

BACKGROUND: The incidence of femoral fractures in children comprise 20 per 100,000 yearly in the United States and Europe. The treatment of femoral shaft fractures in the pediatric population remains controversial. The child's age often directs the management. Nonoperative treatment options include functional treatment for the very young, Pavlic harness, skin or skeletal traction, and spica casting. Operative treatment options include closed reduction and external fixation, open reduction and internal plate fixation, closed reduction and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), and closed reduction and intramedullary nailing with either flexible or rigid nails. The effect of operative versus nonoperative treatment has been the focus of several comparative studies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of different treatment options on the rate of union, malunion, leg-length discrepancy (LLD), complications, and outcome after femoral shaft fractures in children.     

The floating knee in the pediatric patient. Nonoperative versus operative stabilization

The results of nonoperative and operative or rigid stabilization of ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures in children and adolescents were evaluated. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with open physes (30 affected extremities) were reviewed. Their mean followup was 8.6 years (range, 1.1-18.6 years). The nonoperative group consisted of 16 patients and 16 extremities treated by skeletal traction of the femoral fracture, closed reduction and splinting or casting of the tibia fractures, and eventual immobilization in a hip spica cast. The operative group, was comprised of 13 patients and 14 extremities in which one or both fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, intramedullary fixation, or external fixation. Despite higher modified injury severity scores and skeletal injury scores, the patients who were treated operatively had a significantly reduced hospital stay, 20.1 days versus 34.9 days, respectively; decreased time to unsupported weightbearing, 16.8 weeks compared with 22.3 weeks, respectively; and fewer complications. Operative stabilization of the femur had a significant effect on decreasing the length of hospital stay and the time to unassisted weightbearing. The patients also were analyzed according to their age at the time of injury: 9 years of age or younger and 10 years of age and older. The younger children who were treated nonoperatively had an increased rate of lower extremity length discrepancy, angular malunion, and need for a secondary surgical procedure as compared with younger children who were treated operatively with rigid fixation. Based on the results of the current study, operative stabilization of at least the femur fracture and, preferably, both fractures in the treatment of a child with a floating knee is recommended, even for younger children.     

Displaced hip fractures in children and adolescents

The results of ten acute, displaced proximal femoral fractures in patients 14 years and under are reported. These high-risk fractures were managed with urgent open reduction and pin or screw fixation with supplemental spica casting. The exception to this protocol was in two Delbet's type IV (intertrochanteric) fractures which were managed by closed reduction and spica casting. There was a case of partial avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a type I transepiphyseal fracture. At a minimum followup of 2 years the patients were asymptomatic with no significant limitation of hip motion.     

The role of preoperative bone scan for determining the treatment method for femoral neck fracture

To evaluate the role of preoperative bone scintigraphy in determining the operative treatment method for femoral neck fracture, we reviewed the data of 83 patients who underwent preoperative bone scanning after femoral neck fracture. Fractures were classified using the Garden staging system. Radioisotope uptake in femoral heads was evaluated visually. Of 28 patients with Garden stage I or II, radioactivity of the femoral head was normal in 26, partially reduced in one, and generally reduced in one patient. Twenty-seven patients were treated by closed reduction and multiple pinning, and one patient was treated by bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Of 55 patients with Garden stage III or IV, femoral-head radioactivity was normal in three, partially reduced in seven and generally reduced in 45 patients. Fifty-four patients were treated by bipolar hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty, and one patient was treated by closed reduction and multiple pinning. In only one of the 83 cases was the operative method changed because of bone scan findings. Isotope uptake of the femoral head after femoral neck fracture generally corresponded with the degree of fracture displacement. Preoperative bone scans appear to have no significant role to play in determining the operative treatment method for femoral neck fracture.     

Malunion in displaced intracapsular fracture of femoral neck: A rare case

Intracapsular fracture of femoral neck is treated by anatomical reduction (preferably closed) and cannulated cancellous lag screw fixation. Malunion of these fractures have been described in the coronal plane (coxa valga or coxa vara). We reported a case of young adult patient with displaced intracapsular fracture of femoral neck that had malunited in sagittal plane with callus formation with excellent functional outcome. The radiographs revealed intracapsular fracture of femoral neck right side (Garden type 4 and Pauwel type 3). The patient was operated and closed reduction and internal fixation with three cannulated cancellous screws was performed. The postoperative radiograph revealed a loss of reduction in the lateral view. Due to this technical error, the patient was counselled for revision fixation for which he refused. At 9 months we observed union of the fracture in the displaced position by callus formation. Harris hip score at 2 years was 96 that indicate excellent functional outcome and the radiographs did not reveal any evidence of avascular necrosis of femoral head. We advised revision surgery to our patient as he had increased chances of implant failure and nonunion. However he refused the revision surgery and was continued with the suboptimal reduction. However, the fracture united and that too with callus formation, which is not a described phenomenon in neck of femur fracture.     

两孔动力髋螺钉微创内固定治疗股骨颈骨折

目的评价两孔动力髋螺钉（DHS）微创内固定治疗股骨颈骨折的疗效。方法回顾分析48例股骨颈骨折在C型臂X线机透视下闭合复位，采用微创手术入路经皮两孔DHS微创内固定治疗，评价其疗效。结果切口长度平均为3．0cm，出血量平均为41．5ml，手术时间平均为25min。46例骨折愈合，2例骨折不愈合，愈合率为95．8％。3例出现股骨头缺血坏死（其中骨折不愈合2例，骨折愈合后发生1例）。结论应用经皮微创两孔DHS内固定术治疗股骨颈骨折，手术简便快速，创伤少，固定牢固，是治疗股骨颈骨折理想的微创治疗技术。     

青壮年新鲜股骨颈骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨新鲜青壮年股骨颈骨折的手术治疗方法。方法 本组72例，平均34．4(20～48)岁。其中头下型32例，经颈型12例，基底型28例，均用多枚钛合金空心钉固定闭合复位5l例，切开复位同时分别联合应用股方肌骨瓣或带旋髂深血管的髂骨瓣2l例。平均随访3年4个月：结果 5例复位不良，其中4例出现骨折不愈合，共10例发生股骨头坏死。结论 新鲜股骨颈骨折的治疗原则是应力求早期解剖复位，牢固固定。钛合金空心钉呈等腰三角形平行固定可获得良好的固定效果，有动力加压作用，创伤小，愈合率高，并发症少，可以长期存留体内，是目前比较理想的股骨颈骨折治疗手段一带肌蒂或血管蒂的髂骨瓣植入可以改善局部的血运。良好的骨折复位、早活动晚负重，有利于降低青壮年股骨颈骨折不愈合和股骨头缺血坏死的发生率。     

Is external fixation in pediatric femoral fractures a risk factor for refracture?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether external fixation is a risk factor for refracture by comparing the outcomes of children who received three different forms of treatment of femoral fractures. One hundred ninety-two patients treated for femoral fracture between 1990 and 1999 who underwent final examination were assessed. One hundred were treated with hip spica casting after traction, 57 with closed reduction and external fixation, and 35 with open reduction and external fixation. Morbidity results such as time to union, length of hospital stay, refracture, and wire site infection were statistically evaluated. Patients undergoing open reduction had a greater time to union and length of hospital stay and a higher refracture rate. The difference was statistically significant. Wire site infection occurred in all three groups; there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The authors concluded that external fixation is not a risk factor for refracture in the treatment of pediatric closed femoral diaphyseal fractures, and that it may be used with ease in clinics with shortages of personnel and space.     

Ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures: are cephalomedullary nails appropriate?

A retrospective review was conducted to examine rates of malreduction and nonunion in ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures using different fixation strategies. Twenty-two consecutive patients with 23 fractures were identified. Participants were treated with various fixation strategies for ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. Cephalomedullary devices were used in 13 cases, while cannulated screws and a retrograde femoral nail were used in nine cases. One patient was treated with cannulated screws and external fixation of the femoral shaft. Radiographic assessment of the quality of reduction and union of both fractures was evaluated. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was available in 20 fractures (87%) with a mean of 12 months (range 3-50). Two femoral neck nonunions occurred; both had fair reductions of the fractures obtained by closed maneuvers, and two-device fixation was used in each. One femoral shaft nonunion occurred in a fracture treated with a cephalomedullary nail. All three united after revision surgery. No cases of osteonecrosis or conversion to hip arthroplasty were noted. A combination of retrograde femoral nailing and screw fixation of the femoral neck or placement of a cephalomedullary nail can provide excellent reduction and rate of union in the treatment of this injury pattern. Excellent reduction of the femoral neck fracture is key to preventing femoral neck nonunion.     

Management of femur shaft fracture in the growth age with the fixateur externe

Non-operative management is still the treatment of choice today for femoral shaft fractures in children. Indications for operative intervention would include: - the child with multiple injuries, particularly with severe head injuries, in those patients with severe soft tissue damage associated with the fracture; in cases where the reduction is difficult to maintain, as in subtrochanteric fractures; and in children who are not suitable for management with traction. Since 1984, 16 children have had their femoral shaft fractures stabilized by external fixation (Monofixateur) here in the Trauma Department of the Hannover Medical School. The mean age of the patients was 10.3 years (seven to sixteen years). All cases were closed fractures with mild or moderate soft tissue damage. Eleven of the patients had a multiple injury, and four had subtrochanteric fractures. The external fixation remained in place for a mean of 63 days in those patients exclusively treated by this method. In four of the earlier cases there was a Schanz's screw infection and three of these required removal of the external fixation and treatment in a hip spica. After modifying the technique of Schanz's screw insertion, no further infections were seen. Fourteen of the sixteen children were reviewed, with a mean follow up of 21.7 months. None of the children who had been completely managed by this fixation had any clinically relevant malalignment. Six cases had leg lengthening of up to two centimetres. Leg length differences were seen more frequently and more severely in those cases where external fixation was delayed.     

Treatment of neglected femoral neck fracture

Intra-capsular femoral neck fractures are seen commonly in elderly people following a low energy trauma. Femoral neck fracture has a devastating effect on the blood supply of the femoral head, which is directly proportional to the severity of trauma and displacement of the fracture. Various authors have described a wide array of options for treatment of neglected/nonunion (NU) femoral neck fracture. There is lack of consensus in general, regarding the best option. This Instructional course article is an analysis of available treatment options used for neglected femoral neck fracture in the literature and attempt to suggest treatment guides for neglected femoral neck fracture. We conducted the “Pubmed” search with the keywords “NU femoral neck fracture and/or neglected femoral neck fracture, muscle-pedicle bone graft in femoral neck fracture, fibular graft in femoral neck fracture and valgus osteotomy in femoral neck fracture.” A total of 203 print articles were obtained as the search result. Thirty three articles were included in the analysis and were categorized into four subgroups based on treatment options. (a) treated by muscle-pedicle bone grafting (MPBG), (b) closed/open reduction internal fixation and fibular grafting (c) open reduction and internal fixation with valgus osteotomy, (d) miscellaneous procedures. The data was pooled from all groups for mean neglect, the type of study (prospective or retrospective), classification used, procedure performed, mean followup available, outcome, complications, and reoperation if any. The outcome of neglected femoral neck fracture depends on the duration of neglect, as the changes occurring in the fracture area and fracture fragments decides the need and type of biological stimulus required for fracture union. In stage I and stage II (Sandhu''s staging) neglected femoral neck fracture osteosynthesis with open reduction and bone grafting with MPBG or Valgus Osteotomy achieves fracture union in almost 90% cases. However, in stage III with or without AVN, the results of osteosynthesis are poor and the choice of treatment is replacement arthroplasty (hemi or total).     

肩关节脱位合并肱骨颈骨折的治疗

目的探讨肩关节脱位合并肱骨颈骨折的治疗方法及疗效。方法从1995年1月至2002年12月对19例肩关节脱位合并肱骨颈骨折患者，行整复、外固定(或尺骨鹰嘴牵引)13例；切开复位内固定6例。结果整复、外固定(或尺骨鹰嘴牵引)13例随访结果，肩关节疗效满意；切开复位内固定6例，5例随访结果肩关节疗效欠佳。结论肩关节脱位合并肱骨颈骨折的治疗，大部分非手术治疗效果满意；手术治疗应重视肩袖损伤和肱骨头坏死的问题。     

儿童股骨颈骨折的外科治疗

目的 探讨儿童股骨颈骨折的外科治疗方法的选择问题。方法 收集并随访20例儿童股骨颈骨折,平均随访3年5个月,按Colonna分类,包括:Ⅰ型:骨骺分离3例;Ⅱ型:经颈骨折8例:Ⅲ型;基底部骨折5例;Ⅳ型:经转子骨折4例。所有患儿均采用闭合复位,其中Ⅰ型,Ⅱ型及Ⅲ型中移位明显不稳定者复位后采用克氏针内固定并行髋人字石膏固定4～6周;Ⅱ型及Ⅲ型中无移位者及Ⅳ型行髋人字石膏固定4～6周;Ⅱ型及Ⅲ型中无移位者及Ⅳ型行髋人字石膏固定4～6周。结果 临床及X线征象均较优者占65％,良好者20％,较差者15％,效果满意。结论 对于儿童股骨颈骨折,应该于基于解剖分型,X-线征象,以及其它临床表现进行“个体化”的治疗。     

Traction and spica casting for closed femoral shaft fractures in children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment outcome of skin traction followed by spica casting for closed femoral shaft fractures in children. METHODS: Between September 1997 and December 2001 inclusive, outcomes of 63 children aged one month to 15 (mean, 5.3) years with closed femoral shaft fractures managed with skin traction and spica casting were reviewed. Depending on age, patients were kept in traction from 2 to 15 (median, 9) days, then in spica casts for 2 to 8 (median, 5) weeks. RESULTS: Bony union took 3 to 12 (median, 6) weeks. There were no malunion, nonunion, or rotational deformities. Nor were there any significant limb length discrepancies, pressure sores, or nerve palsies. On no occasion was a spica cast removed and reapplied for loss of fracture reduction. At final follow-up, limb length discrepancy was noted in 14 (22%) of the patients, but none had a discrepancy of greater than 1.5 cm or a short-legged gait. CONCLUSION: Skin traction followed by spica casting for closed femoral shaft fractures in children is safe, cost-effective and associated with a low complication rate. It is effective in children below 5 years of age and no less effective in older children, except in instances of open fracture, multiple fractures, or older children with large statures, which conditions render them intolerant to spica casts.     

Case Reports: Treatment of Subtrochanteric and Ipsilateral Femoral Neck Fractures in an Adult with Osteopetrosis

We describe a patient with autosomal-dominant osteopetrosis, a subtrochanteric fracture, and an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture treated with a hip spica cast Although the fracture united with coxa vara and external rotation deformities, the patient successfully returned to his normal activities of daily living. Operative fracture treatment in patients with osteopetrosis is difficult, and our patient provides evidence that with nonoperative treatment these patients can return to a functional level when operative treatment is not an option. Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.     

Transepiphyseal fractures of the neck of the femur in very young children.

Five severely displaced transepiphyseal fractures of the neck of the femur in five very young children were treated nonoperatively with a spica cast. Four of these fractures healed in varus, but two with an open proximal femoral physis corrected with growth. One fracture had an 18-month delay in diagnosis and treatment, but subsequently healed after a valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur and bone grafting. There was no case of avascular necrosis. We recommend initial nonoperative treatment with hip spica cast immobilization for this type of fracture in the very young child. If correction of residual coxa vara or limb length discrepancy is indicated, it may be done later.     

单侧多功能外固定架治疗股骨颈骨折的生物力学测定及临床应用

作者设计了应用单侧11多功能外固定支架治疗股骨颈骨折，经20具尸体股骨标本生物力学测定及临床应用128例，随访4个月～3年，骨折愈合及去除支架的时间为3～9个月，其中骨折不愈合或延迟愈合9例，股骨头坏死19例。作者认为利用3枚4mm斯氏针与螺纹钉将股骨颈骨折与股骨干在预张力下经外固定支架在体外连成一个密闭的钢架固定系统，固定范围大，既提高了固定能力又制约了钉的移动，使断端间的剪力部分转变为加压力，且闭合复位，经皮穿打外固定，方法简便，易于接受。     

股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折

目的探讨应用股骨重建钉内固定治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效.方法 10例使用股骨重建钉内固定治疗,对采用闭合穿钉或小切口复位穿钉手术的疗效进行回顾性分析.结果患者均获得随访,时间6～24个月.股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折平均愈合时间为5.1个月,股骨干骨折平均愈合时间为7个月,髋膝关节活动良好,无股骨头坏死征象.结论股骨重建钉是目前治疗股骨干合并同侧股骨颈、股骨转子间骨折有效的方法.