Retrospective analysis of 35 pediatric femoral neck fractures

Objective

Pediatric proximal femur fracture is extremely rare trauma comparing to other fractures. The proximal femur fracture is 1% of all pediatric fractures. The aim of current study is to compare the incidence of early complications and outcomes of pediatric proximal femur fractures regarding fracture types retrospectively.

Design

Our study includes 35 cases which are criticized by Delbet classification system, modalities of treatment, duration of waiting for surgery, duration of follow-up and also complications. Our inclusion criteria are age below 16 years old, proximal femur fractures with no evidence of tumoral, romathologic and methabolic conditions. Age, sex and surgery type (open-closed) were noted, and the data were statistically assessed. Assessment of the final outcome was made at the last follow-up visit using the Ratliff’s method.

Results

The mean of age of patients in our study is 9.5 ± 5.06 years. The average follow-up was 25.6 ± 13.2 months. 15 patients (42.9%) are type 2 Delbet fracture, 5 patients (14.2%) are Delbet type 3 and 15 patients (42.9%) are Delbet type 4 fracture. Using the Ratliff’s method, 25 patients (71.4%) had satisfactory outcomes. Ten patients (28.6%) had unsatisfactory outcomes. The complications as AVN, coxa vara and premature closure of physis, non-union and postoperative infections have been detected in this study. AVN was seen in four (11.4%) patients. In addition, coxa vara was seen in six (17.2%) patients.

Conclusion

Pediatric femoral neck fractures are extremely rare fractures and can be treated with low complication rates in cases with early treatment and anatomic reduction.

     

Femoral Neck Fractures in Children: A Follow-Up Study of 19 Cases

Abstract   We studied 20 fractures of the neck of femur in 19 patients under the age of 16 years that were treated in the period from 1998 to 2004. There were nine boys and ten girls with an average age of 11 years. There was one case of Delbet type I (transepiphyseal separation). Thirteen cases were of Delbet type II (transcervical) fractures, four cases were of type III (cervicotrochanteric), and two patients had old fractures (one Delbet type II and one type III). Fourteen fractures were displaced. In our study group, 11 patients were treated surgically by internal fixation while the remaining were treated conservatively by traction followed by hip spica cast application. Mean follow-up was 24 months (range 1–5 years). Avascular necrosis occurred in nine cases (45%). Other complications included coxa vara in two, nonunion in two, postoperative infection in one, and refracture in one. The amount of displacement of the fracture and the quality of reduction and fixation influenced the occurrence of complications such as avascular necrosis and nonunion.     

儿童股骨近端骨折治疗的研究进展

儿童股骨近端骨折发生率较低，通常是由高能量暴力所致。儿童股骨近端解剖及血供特点与成人有所不同，其并发症发生率亦较成人明显增高。常见的并发症包括股骨头缺血性坏死、髋内翻、骺板早闭和骨不连。当前儿童股骨近端骨折的治疗仍没有统一的标准，这也在一定程度上影响了该病的诊疗过程及预后。本文依据当前最新的文献报道，综述了儿童股骨近端骨折治疗方法的研究进展，从儿童股骨近端的解剖特点、骨折分型、治疗方法及术后并发症等方面进行概括分析。     

Surgery for pathological proximal femoral fractures, excluding femoral head and neck fractures

Pathological femoral head and neck fractures are commonly treated by arthroplasty. Treatment options for the trochanteric region or below are not clearly defined. The purpose of this retrospective, comparative, double-centre study was to analyse survival and influences on outcome according to the surgical technique used to treat pathological proximal femoral fractures, excluding fractures of the femoral head and neck. Fifty-nine patients with 64 fractures were operated up on between 1998 and 2004 in two tertiary referral centres and divided into two groups. One group (S, n = 33) consisted of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing alone, and the other group (R, n = 31) consisted of patients treated by metastatic tissue resection and reconstruction by means of different implants. Median survival was 12.6 months with no difference between groups. Surgical complications were higher in the R group (n = 7) vs. the S group (n = 3), with no statistically significant difference. Patients with surgery-related complications had a higher survival rate (p = 0.049), as did patients with mechanical implant failure (p = 0.01). Survival scoring systems did not correlate with actual survival. Resection of metastases in patients with pathological fractures of the proximal femur, excluding femoral head and neck fractures, has no influence on survival. Patients with long postoperative survival prognosis are at risk of implant-related complications.     

Long term results of femoral neck fractures in children]

Femoral neck fractures in children occur most frequently as a result of automotive accident or free fall. A long term results in 36 cases of femoral head fractures in children age 2-18 (9.8 yrs on average) were evaluated. The fractures were divided based on the most widely used Delbet scale: type I--transepiphyseal (2 cases), type II--transcervical (8 cases), type III--cervicotrochanteric (14 cases) and type IV--intertrochanteric (12 cases). The minimum evaluation period was 3 years (from 3 up to 29 years). The results were evaluated based on the Ratliff criteria. The long term results observed were better in children treated with type III and IV fractures than in type I and II. Also cases treated within 3 days from the trauma had better long term results than cases treated later. The significantly better results of femoral head fractures occurring in children under 6 yrs of age is most likely connected with the change of the blood supply to the proximal femoral region occurring at the age of 4. The most common complication was the avascular necrosis of the femoral head (36%).     

Indications for implant removal in healed proximal femoral fractures

Summary   Background: Reviewing patients operatively stabilized following proximal femoral fractures we found several factors that lead to significant complications. We conducted this survey of proximal femoral fractures stabilized with the implants which were used most frequently. Purpose was to work out causes and indications to remove implants which were solely employed to stabilize proximal femoral fractures. Methods: The indication for using a Dynamic Hip Screw? (DHS) were fractures AO-Class. 31-B or 31-Al. A Gamma Locking Nail? (GN) was applied in unstable or comminuted trochanteric fractures. We retrospectively analysed 2553 patients who received either a DHS or a GN within seven years. Results: Removal of the implants was indicated in 3.2 % mostly due to complications. Most frequent “modes of complication” that lead to the removal of one of the implants were avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head (24 %), patients request (20 %) and ipsilateral shaft fractures (17 %). Conclusions: Referring to the results absolute indications to remove an implant are AVN, deep chronic infections, shaft fractures and when “cutting out” appears.      

Ipsilateral fracture of the femoral neck and shaft, treatment by reconstruction interlocking nail

This study involved nine patients with ipsilateral fractures of the neck and shaft of the femur. They were all male with an average age of 28.5 years. All of the fractures resulted from high-energy trauma. The neck fracture was initially missed in one case. All fractures were fixed by a Russell-Taylor reconstruction femoral nail. Surgery was delayed for an average of 6.6 days (range 2–21 days). The patients were followed up for an average of 2.1 years. All fractures healed; the average time of union for the neck fracture was 4.2 months (range 3–6 months) and for the shaft fracture, 6.9 months (range 4–18 months). A delay in surgery did not affect the union rate. There were no cases of avascular necrosis or non-union of the femoral neck fracture. One hip healed into mild varus, one shaft fracture had a delayed union, and one developed a late infection of the femoral shaft. The use of the reconstruction nail offers superior stabilization over other currently used methods and is associated with fewer complications. Received: 4 July 1999     

Treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric femoral fractures with proximal femoral nail

Treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric femoral fractures is still challenging. We present the results of our proximal nailing surgery performed for reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures using two lag screws and evaluated the quality of the reduction, operative time, complications and functional status of the patients. Fifteen patients with AO/OTA 31 A-A3 fractures were treated by proximal femoral nailing in our trauma centre. The mean Harris hip score was 74.66 (range 65–96) and the mean Barthel activity score was 15.71 (range 12–20). The mean duration of surgery was 48 minutes and the average consolidation time was 8.6 weeks. No intraoperative complications or postoperative technical failures and no stress shielding as evidenced by the lack of cortical hypertrophy at the level of the tip of the implant were detected. Intramedullary nailing with proximal femoral nails may be a good option in the treatment of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures.     

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head after intertrochanteric fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors that may influence the appearance of avascular necrosis after intertrochanteric fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve patients between the ages of fifty-nine and eighty-eight who had developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head after treatment of an intertrochanteric femur fracture at our institution between 1976 and 1995. Fractures were classified according to Kyle and Gustilo. There were three Type I, two Type II, six Type III, and one Type IV fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk factors for osteonecrosis, fracture pattern, surgical influence, location of the nail within the femoral head, and valgus malalignment. RESULTS: All fractures healed. Five patients had risk factors for osteonecrosis. Intertrochanteric fractures with a proximal fracture line appeared in five patients. The nail tip was situated in every quadrant of the femoral head. Valgus malalignment occurred in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is an uncommon complication after intertrochanteric fractures. The pathogenesis is unknown, but in patients developing pain who have had intertrochanteric fractures, osteonecrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in cases with risk factors for osteonecrosis or a proximal intertrochanteric fracture line that perhaps disrupts the vascular anastomotic ring at the base of the femoral neck.     

Reconstruction nailing for ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures

The surgical management of ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck and shaft presents a difficult and challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. The purpose of the present study was to report the mid-term results and complications in a series of patients who sustained ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures and treated in our trauma department with a single reconstruction nail for both fractures. Eleven patients were included in the study with an average age of 46.4 years. The mean follow-up was 47 months (range, 15–75 months). There were no cases of a missed diagnosis at initial presentation. The mean time to union was 4.5 months for the neck fracture and 8.2 months for the shaft. There were no cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head or non-union of the neck fracture. The mean Harris Hip Score was (85 ± 4.3). Complications included two cases of shaft fracture non-union and one case of peroneal nerve palsy. Heterotopic ossification at the tip of the greater trochanter was evident in two cases without causing any functional deficit. The current study suggests that reconstruction nailing produces satisfactory clinical and functional results in the mid-term. The complications involved only the femoral shaft fracture and were successfully treated with a single operative procedure.     

Fractures of the femoral head: a long-term follow-up study

The femoral head fracture has become an increasingly frequent injury, usually sustained by individuals during high-energy trauma. Regardless of the type of treatment, long-term consequences, as avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and heterotopic ossification, may complicate the clinical outcome leading to variable degree of disability. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and radiological long-term follow-up of patients with a fracture of the femoral head. Between January 1985 and January 2002, twenty-one patients with mean age 42.0 ± 15.9 years (range, 21–70 years) with a fracture of the femoral head were evaluated retrospectively. According to Pipkin’s classification, there were four type I, nine type II, and eight type IV fractures. Functional outcomes were measured using the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel and Thompson–Epstein scoring scale. Heterotopic calcifications was graded according to the Brooker classification. All patients were followed up from 12 to 210 months, with an average of 81.19 ± 37.4 months. The average Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score was 12.9 ± 4.5. According to the Thompson–Epstein criteria, eight patients had excellent results, eight patients good, two patients fair, and three patients poor results. Overall, almost all (95. 2%) patients were determined to have radiographic criteria of post-traumatic arthritis (PA). Ten patients (47.6%) had a mild PA, seven patients (33.3%) had a moderate PA, and three patients (14.2%) had a severe PA. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fragments provided better results in comparison to excision. Although degenerative changes of the hip were observed in almost all patients, most severe case occurred in the excision group.     

儿童移位型股骨颈骨折16例临床分析

目的：回顾性评估切开复位、髋关节减压及内固定治疗16例移位股骨颈骨折患儿的中期临床效果。方法：2002年3月至2005年2月,应用减压、切开复位及内固定治疗了16例移位的股骨颈骨折患儿,其中男10例,女6例,平均年龄9．5岁（4～15岁）。按照Delbet分型原则,I型（股骨头骺滑脱）2例、II型（经颈型骨折）5例,III型（颈基底型骨折）9例;受伤机制包括：3例摩托车祸伤、8例高处坠落伤、2例滑雪伤,自行车摔伤、卡车车祸伤及滑冰伤各1例。方法为切开复位、髋关节囊小切口减压,直视下解剖复位,应用加压螺钉或克氏针内固定治疗。结果：16患儿均获得随访,平均随访时间3．6年。术后髋关节x线片评估复位效果：8例复位效果优,5例良,3例一般;14例应用加压螺钉固定,2例行克氏针固定。随访终了时的髋关节x线片提示1例患儿术后股骨头骺早闭,3例患儿合并股骨头坏死;13例患儿髋关节功能良好,日常生活无明显影响。结论：移位的股骨颈骨折患儿,小切口髋关节内减压、解剖复位及坚强内固定可减少股骨头坏死等相关并发症的发生,中期随访效果肯定。但Delbet分型I型骨折患儿术后头坏死发生率高,预后差。     

Case report: bilateral femoral neck fractures in a child and a rare complication of slipped capital epiphysis after internal fixation

Background  

Bilateral traumatic femoral neck fractures are uncommon in children. The most commonly reported complications are nonunion, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and chondrolysis. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) associated with nonunion after percutaneous partially threaded cancellous screw (PTCS) fixation of the fracture is an unreported complication.     

Intramedullary Stabilization of Periprosthetic Fractures of the Femur Taking Special Account of Bone Defects

Abstract Objective:  Healing of the periprosthetic fracture and area of defective bone by the bone healing mechanisms of intramedullary stabilization. Reconstruction of the correct length, axial alignment, and rotation of the fractured femoral shaft by anchoring a revision stem in the intact femoral diaphysis. Indications:  Periprosthetic femoral shaft fracture in the region of the prosthetic stem combined with preexistent loosening and/or defect in the periprosthetic bone bed (Vancouver classification type B2 and B3). Contraindications: General contraindications, local infection. Surgical Technique:  Lateral transmuscular approach to the femoral shaft. Longitudinal osteotomy of the proximal femur taking the geometry of the fracture into account. Opening of an anterior “bone shell”. Removal of the loose prosthetic stem and cement. Debridement. Preparation of the femoral diaphysis and insertion of a distally anchored revision stem. Distal locking. Repositioning of the “bone shell”, reduction of the fracture, and retention with cerclage wires. Postoperative Management:  Bed rest for approximately 1 week, mobilization with 20 kg partial weight bearing for 12 weeks, gradual increase in weight bearing with radiologic checks on progress, removal of the distal locking bolts after 12–24 months at the earliest. Results:  21 patients (13 women, eight men) aged between 43 and 86 years (mean age: 71.2 years) with periprosthetic fracture of the femur, additional loosening of the stem in eight cases (Vancouver B2) and additional bone loss in 13 cases (Vancouver B3). Postoperative complications: two fractures following another fall (repeat operations: one replacement, one plate), four revisions due to subsidence of the stem (three replacements involving change to a standard stem with healed proximal femur, one replacement with another interlocked revision stem). Bone healing occurred for all fractures after a mean 5.6 months (3–11 months). Follow- up examination after a mean 4.5 years: all patients were able to walk, average Harris Score 70.5 points (29– 95 points). The following is a reprint from Operat Orthop Traumatol 2006;18:341–63 and continues the new series of articles at providing continuing education on operative techniques to the European trauma community. Reprint from: Operat Orthop Traumatol 2006;18:341–63 DOI 10.1007/s00064-006-1182-2     

加长型PFNA治疗股骨干骨折伴同侧髋部骨折的临床观察

目的探讨股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折的手术方法和疗效。方法分析自2006年10月至2009年6月应用手术治疗资料完整的20例股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折患者,其中男16例,女4例;年龄27~57岁,平均42.6岁。股骨转子间骨折伴股骨干骨折10例,转子间骨折按Evans-Jensen分型,Ⅰ型1例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型4例;股骨颈骨折按G arden分型,Ⅰ型3例,Ⅱ型4例,Ⅲ型3例。17例患者伴有合并伤。结果本组随访12~24个月,平均21.5个月。所有股骨颈骨折均愈合,平均愈合时间为16周,无一例发生股骨头坏死;股骨转子间骨折平均愈合时间为16.2周;全部股骨干骨折均愈合,2例延迟愈合,平均愈合时间为22.2周。手术并发症4例。按F riedm an-W ym an评分标准评定,优14例,良4例,差2例,优良率90%。结论加长型PFNA是治疗股骨干骨折合并同侧髋部骨折可用的有效方法。     

直接前方入路联合直接后方入路治疗PipkinⅣ型股骨头骨折

目的探讨直接前方入路(direct anterior approach,DAA)联合直接后方入路(direct posterior approach,DPA)治疗PipkinⅣ型股骨头骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2019年4月采用DAA联合DPA入路治疗18例PipkinⅣ型股骨头骨折患者资料,男13例,女5例;年龄19~56岁,平均43.2岁;车祸伤15例,高处坠落伤3例;13例股骨头骨折线位于股骨头凹下方,5例骨折线位于股骨头凹上方;髋臼骨折按Letournel-Judet分型:后壁骨折14例,后柱伴后壁骨折2例,横断伴后壁骨折2例。采用DAA入路处理股骨头骨折,采用DPA入路处理髋臼骨折。术后行骨盆X线及CT检查,评价骨折复位、愈合情况及股骨头坏死、坐骨神经损伤、臀上血管神经损伤、异位骨化等情况;按照Matta影像学标准评价髋臼复位质量;采用Thompson-Epstein评分系统评价髋关节功能。结果18例患者手术时间75~205 min,平均133 min;术中出血240~600 ml,平均371 ml。所有患者手术切口一期愈合。18例患者均获得随访,随访时间6~36个月,平均15.7个月;骨折均愈合,愈合时间10~14周。3例患者伤后出现坐骨神经损伤症状,均于术后6~12周恢复。股骨头骨折均获得复位,Matta影像学标准示髋臼解剖复位13例,满意复位3例,不满意复位2例,总体满意率88.9%(16/18)。术后2例患者发生异位骨化,均为BrookerⅠ级;无一例发生医源性血管损伤、股骨头缺血性坏死、感染、内固定物断裂等并发症。末次随访,根据Thompson-Epstein评价系统评价髋关节功能,其中优7例,良8例,可2例,差1例。结论DAA联合DPA入路治疗PipkinⅣ型股骨头骨折手术创伤相对较小,术中能直视下复位、固定股骨头及髋臼后部骨折,可有效保护旋股内侧动脉、坐骨神经、股外侧皮神经等重要结构,降低股骨头缺血性坏死、异位骨化等并发症的发生,术后临床疗效满意。     

Undisplaced femoral neck fractures in children have a high risk of secondary displacement

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare and known to have a high complication rate (e.g. femoral head necrosis, persistent deformities, and pseudarthrosis). While open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced fractures, non-operative treatment methods have been proposed if the fracture is undisplaced. Three consecutive patients aged 11, 14 and 16 years with undisplaced femoral neck fractures were seen at our institutions and primarily treated with the recommendation of non-weightbearing and minimal flexion until consolidation. All three cases showed secondary displacement within the first 6 weeks. A second minor indirect trauma caused displacement in one case; in the other two cases, no further trauma had occurred. All three fractures healed uneventfully following reduction and osteosynthesis. Undisplaced femoral neck fractures treated non-operatively evidently bear the risk of secondary displacement. The observations in these patients suggest that primary internal stabilization, even of undisplaced femoral neck fractures in children, should be considered.     

股骨颈骨折内固定术后股骨头坏死的相关因素分析及生活质量评价

目的:探讨年轻患者股骨颈骨折内固定术后发生股骨头坏死的危险因素,描述股骨头存活患者的生活质量,量化其预测因素。方法:选取2013年1月至2016年12月采用闭合复位空心钉内固定手术治疗的股骨颈骨折患者172例(174髋)进行回顾性分析,总结患者的一般资料包括年龄、性别、体重指数、创伤机制、创伤-手术间隔时间、创伤发生季节和内固定物是否取出,影像学资料包括骨折Garden分型、Pauwel分型、股骨头后倾角度、术后骨折复位、螺钉分布情况。进行单因素分析及多因素Logistic回归分析,探讨股骨头坏死及内固定失败的危险因素。对上述内固定术后股骨头存活的患者进行随访,通过SF-36健康调查简表评估患者的生活质量,髋关节功能Harris评分评估患髋关节功能,并通过多重线性回归分析探讨股骨颈骨折术后患者生活质量的预测因素。结果:172例(174髋)患者纳入研究,共29例(16.67%)患者发生股骨头坏死。股骨头坏死多因素Logistic回归分析中有显著差异的变量是复位质量(OR=0.126,P=0.027)和后倾角(OR=4.380,P=0.010)。股骨头存活136例患者(137髋)纳入生活质量调查,Harris评分90.14±7.92,其中优96髋(70.07%),良28髋(20.44%),中13髋(9.49%),差0髋。SF-36评分中生理健康得分为46.12±9.12,心理健康得分为50.21±3.97,两者不呈线性相关(P0.05),多重线性回归分析中,与生理健康得分相关有显著差异的变量是复位质量与后倾角度,与心理健康得分相关有显著差异的变量是骨折是否移位与创伤机制。结论:复位质量位不佳和后倾角15°是并发股骨头坏死的危险因素。股骨颈骨折术后患者髋关节功能及心理健康得分恢复良好,但生理健康得分不能恢复到正常人群平均水平,复位质量与后倾角度可作为生理健康得分预测因素,骨折是否移位与创伤机制可作为心理健康得分的预测因素。     

Bilateral femoral neck fracture in a child: a 17-year follow-up

A long-term follow-up of bilateral femoral neck fracture is presented. The patient sustained the injury in a road accident at the age of five. Both fractures were Delbet type III. Three days after the injury, open reduction and internal fixation were performed. A hip spica cast was applied for 8 weeks. Follow-up radiographs show uneventful healing, with no avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The initial shortening of the right proximal femur persisted. The left femur shows extensive remodeling of the femoral head toward valgus. The patient is painless and currently does some sports.     

Fractures of the neck of femur in children: an experience at the Aseer Central Hospital,Abha, Saudi Arabia

The Orthopaedics Unit of Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia became fully operational in 1992. From then till 1999, 14 cases of fractures of the neck of femur in children under the age of 16 years were studied. The aims of the study were to compare our experience with those of other institutions and to serve as a reference point in this region for future study of this rare but disabling condition.The case notes of all the patients aged less than 16 years with fractures of the neck of femur managed at the Aseer Central Hospital between 1992 and 1999 were analysed retrospectively. Information obtained included age, sex, type of fracture, management, outcomes and complications. There were 14 children. The age range between 4 and 16 years (mean = 9.1 +/- 3.8 years). Male to female ratio was 1:1.3. Eight cases (57.1%) were due to road traffic crashes and 6 (42.9%) were due to falls from height. Six cases (42.9%) were of Delbet type II (transcervical) fractures, 5 cases (35.7%) were of type III (cervicotrochanteric), and 3 cases (21.4%) were of type IV (intertrochanteric) fractures. There was no case of Delbet type I (transepiphyseal separation). Patients were treated either surgically by reduction and internal fixation or conservatively by traction followed by hip spica cast application. Avascular necrosis occurred in 7 cases (50.0%). Only 3 cases of partial avascular necrosis were seen and all the 3 improved. The rest 4 (28.6%) had collapse of the femoral head. In only 2 cases (14.3%) of femoral neck fracture, the patients did not have any associated injuries. While fracture of neck of the femur is rare in children, the high incidence of complications that can lead to life-long disability makes it an important clinical entity.