Fractures of the head and neck of the femur in children

Treatment of Delbet II/III Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures With Proximal Femoral Locking Plate Versus Cannulated Screws

INTRODUCTION

Complications following operative treatment of pediatric femoral neck fractures include nonunion, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis (AVN). Proximal femoral locking plates (PFLPs) provide a fixed-angle construct that may reduce the rates of coxa vara, but their use in pediatric femoral neck fractures has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of union, coxa vara, and AVN in traumatic pediatric femoral neck fractures treated with PFLP or cannulated screws (CS).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all traumatic, nonpathologic Delbet II/III femoral neck fractures in patients below 18 years of age treated with PFLP or CS. All cases had ≥6 months of radiographic follow-up to evaluate for osseous union and AVN. Changes in proximal femoral alignment were determined by measuring injured and contralateral femoral neck-shaft angle and articulotrochanteric distance (ATD) between 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were identified with mean age at surgery of 10.7±2.9 years (range 3.3 to 16.3 years) and mean follow-up of 36±27 months. Sixteen patients (38%) underwent PFLP fixation, whereas 26 patients (62%) underwent CS fixation. When compared with the CS cohort, the PFLP cohort had a greater proportion of males (87.5% vs. 50%, P =0.02) and Delbet III fractures (68.8% vs. 15.4%, P <0.001). There was no difference between PFLP and CS cohorts with respect to rates of union (81% vs. 88%, respectively, P =0.66), AVN (25% vs. 35%, respectively, P =0.73), or secondary surgery (62% vs 62%, P =0.95). There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle between injured and contralateral hips in those patients treated with PFLP ( P =0.93) or CS ( P =0.16). However, the ATD was significantly decreased in hips treated with CS compared with the contralateral hip (18.4±4.6 vs. 23.3±4.2 mm, P =0.001), with no significant difference in the PFLP group ( P =0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the use of a PFLP in Delbet II/III femoral neck fractures does not appear to significantly increase nonunion rates or AVN and maintains anatomic ATD when compared with screw fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic study.

Postoperative avascular necrosis of the femoral head in pediatric femoral neck fractures

This study aimed to evaluate the relevant factors of postoperative avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) in children with femoral neck fracture. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 children with femoral neck fractures treated at our center between July 2016 and January 2019. The average age was 9.3 (range, 4.4–14) years with 75% male participants. Fracture classification was based on the Delbet classification: there were four, seven, 15, and two cases of type I, II, III, and IV fractures, respectively. Displacement degree was based on the Garden classification. Sixteen cases had insignificant displacement (Garden types I and II), six had medium displacement (Garden type III), and six had significant displacement (Garden type IV). There were six early (≤24 hours) and 22 delayed (>24 hours) surgeries. Twenty-three patients had satisfactory reduction, and five had unsatisfactory reduction. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.7 (range, 12–36) months. Follow-up was evaluated using the Ratliff scoring standards. The correlation between age, fracture classification, displacement degree, surgery timing, reduction quality, and other factors and AVN occurrence was statistically analyzed. Among 28 children, AVN was found in six cases. There were statistically significant differences in displacement degree (P = 0.001) and reduction quality (P = 0.001), while the occurrence of AVN did not significantly differ with sex (P = 0.117), age distribution (P = 0.218), fracture classification (P = 0.438), surgery timing (P = 0.255), and mechanism of injury (P = 0.436). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that displacement degree was a relevant risk factor (P = 0.049, odds ratio [OR] = 8.391, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004−70.117), while reduction quality was not (P = 0.075, OR = 14.536, 95% CI: 0.757−278.928). Although the development of AVN in children with femoral neck fractures may be related to many factors, the results of this research suggest that there is a significant correlation between displacement degree and AVN occurrence.

Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture in a Child Mimicking the Retinacular Flap Technique for Capital Realignment: A Case Report

CASE

Pediatric femoral neck fractures are rare injuries usually associated with high-energy trauma. We present a grossly displaced femoral neck fracture in a 7-year-old girl due to a high violence road traffic accident, in which the femoral neck had buttonholed medially into the adductors. The management and clinical and radiological outcomes are discussed with relevant literature.

CONCLUSION

This case is reported for its atypical presentation, in which the metaphysis of the proximal femur completely separated from the capital epiphysis and the greater trochanteric apophysis leaving the posterior periosteal flap intact mimicking the retinacular flap technique for capital realignment procedure.

Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture in children: Two case reports

RATIONALE

Pediatric femoral shaft combined with ipsilateral femoral neck fractures are very rare but challenging injuries fraught with the development of avascular necrosis, coxa vara, and leg length discrepancy. Majority of the previous reports indicated the neck femur fracture was fixed with cannulated screws or/and pins, femoral shaft fracture was stabilized with a plate and screws. However, we used cannulated screws combined with elastic stable intramedullary nails to minimally invasive procedures treat this type of injury and achieved good follow-up results.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 7-year-old boy (Case 1) was hospitalized due to a traffic accident resulting in swelling and deformity of the right thigh accompanied by limited mobility of hip and knee. A 5-year-old male child (Case 2) presented with pain and swelling in the bilateral lower limb after fall from approximately 12 feet.

DIAGNOSES

Physical examination, X-ray film, and computed tomography were performed. Both patients were diagnosed with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture.

INTERVENTIONS

The fractures were reduced closed by image-intensifier imaging. Two partially threaded cancellous screws were used to fix femoral neck fracture, and elastic intramedullary nails were performed to stable the femoral shaft fracture. Postoperatively, the patients were immobilized in a one-and-a-half hip spica cast for six weeks. The internal fixations were removed after one year.

OUTCOMES

Case one was follow-up at 14 months and the other one was followed up for 3 years. And at the last follow-up showed a normal and painless hip function. No clinical complications were found during follow-up visit, including head penetration, implant failure, fracture nonunion, avascular necrosis and hip varus deformity.

LESSONS

Clinician should carefully check and read relevant imaging data to avoid missed diagnosis. And the internal fixation method described in this paper may be more minimally invasive.

Fractures of the Proximal Femur in Childhood: A Review

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare injuries, occurring due to high-energy trauma. Due to the unique anatomy and blood supply of the proximal femur in growing children, these fractures are notorious for high rates of complications despite appropriate management. Classification of these fractures is according to the Delbet system, which not only guides management but also gives prognostic clues. Multiple fixation methods have been described and there is no consensus on what constitutes the best treatment. Osteonecrosis, non-union, coxa vara and premature physeal arrest are the most frequent complications.

PURPOSE

To review the current knowledge, discuss controversial aspects, and provide suggestions for future research.

METHODS

We have reviewed the literature on paediatric proximal femur fractures and have provided an evidence-based guide to the diagnosis and management of these injuries. Common complications have been elaborated and options for their prevention and/or management discussed.

CONCLUSION

There is universal agreement that anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation, supplemented by spica immobilization in younger children, are essential to obtain good outcomes. The role of capsular decompression, choice and configuration of implant, and appropriate timing of surgery are aspects that continue to be debated. Multicenter prospective studies are necessary to standardize treatment of these challenging injuries.

[Progress of hip fracture treatment in children]

Objective

To review the progress of hip fracture treatment in children.

Methods

Literature about the hip fracture treatment in children was extensively reviewed and summarized in terms of anatomy and blood supply, fracture classification, surgical treatment principles, and complications.

Results

The anatomical structure of children's hips and the characteristics of peripheral blood supply constantly change with age. Delbet classification is the most classic classification of hip fracture in children. Children's age and Delbet classification have significant effects on surgical treatment strategies and post-fracture complications. The timing of surgical treatment, accurate anatomical reduction, and appropriate internal fixation can effectively improve the prognosis and reduce the incidence of complications. Common complications include osteonecrosis of the femoral head, coxa vara, premature physeal closure, and nonunion.

Conclusion

There are still some controversies on the treatment concept and internal fixation choice for children's hip fracture. So it is necessary to further study the anatomy and blood supply characteristics of children's hip, improve the selection and application skills of internal fixation devices, so as to avoid serious complications.

Femoral Neck Fractures in Children: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare injuries resulting from high-energy trauma. Different methods of treatment, lack of standard management protocols, and the high risk of complications make this injury one of the biggest challenges that an orthopaedic surgeon can face. This review focuses on the general aspects of the pediatric femoral neck fracture management as well as its complications and possible solutions.

Management and Outcome of Transepiphyseal Femoral Neck Fracture-Dislocation with a Transverse Posterior Wall Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

We present the case of a 10-year-old girl who sustained a transepiphyseal femoral neck fracture with posterior dislocation of the femoral epiphysis and an associated transverse posterior wall acetabular fracture, leading to complete separation of the capital femoral epiphysis. She underwent urgent operative intervention; she was followed for 13 years and achieved an excellent outcome.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric hip fracture-dislocations are complex injuries that should be managed by a competent pelvic reconstructive surgeon in a well-resuscitated patient. If a quality reduction is obtained in a timely manner, the patient has the best chance of achieving a favorable long-term outcome.

Surgical treatment with cannulated screws for pediatric femoral neck fractures: A case series

INTRODUCTION

Femoral neck fractures are uncommon injuries in children, but the high incidence of long-term complications makes it important clinical entity. Early surgical treatment to achieve optimal results and to avoid a high rate of complications is widely advised. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the outcome of 8 children who sustained a femoral neck fracture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients (6 boys and 2 girls with an average age of 9.2 years) were treated within 24 h following admission to hospital by closed reduction and internal fixation. The type of fracture was distinguished according to Delbet's classification system. The outcome was analyzed using Ratliff's criteria, and a detailed record of complications was maintained.

RESULTS

According Delbet's classification system, there were 3 type I, 2 type II, 2 type III, and 1 type IV fractures. The average follow-up was 39.2 months (range 8-95). A satisfactory outcome was obtained in 6 (75%) children. Avascular necrosis was the most notable complication, which was reported in the 2 fair outcomes (25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and aggressive surgical treatment aimed at anatomical reduction result in a satisfactory outcome in pediatric femur neck fractures. Development of avascular necrosis is the main complication.

Management of Pediatric Femoral Neck Fracture

In the pediatric population, femoral neck fracture is a relatively uncommon injury with a high complication rate, despite appropriate diagnosis and management. The anatomy and blood supply of the proximal femur in the skeletally immature patient differs from that in the adult patient. Generally, these fractures result from high-energy trauma and are categorized using the Delbet classification system. This system both guides management and aids the clinician in determining the risk of osteonecrosis after these fractures. Other complications include physeal arrest, coxa vara, and nonunion. Multiple fracture fixation methods have been used, with the overall goal being anatomic reduction with stable fixation. Insufficiency fractures of the femoral neck, although rare, must also be considered in the differential diagnosis for the pediatric patient presenting with atraumatic hip pain.

Femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head after pediatric femoral neck fracture: a case report

This research focuses on femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. A 9-year-old girl presented to the emergency room complaining of right hip pain that occurred after a pedestrian car accident. After 8 months of internal fixation using cannulated screws for Delbet-type 2 fracture of the femoral neck, AVN of the femoral head developed in the patient. Even though valgus-derotation-extension intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed for the treatment of AVN, it progressed further and femoral head wedge resection was performed to recover the femoral head sphericity. After 3 years of follow-up, radiograph results showed appropriate and satisfactory congruency and containment. This research shows that the treatment of AVN of the femoral head using femoral head wedge resection is an effective method that can yield excellent results.

Evaluation of femoral head viability via bone scintigraphy in the postoperative pediatric patient

BACKGROUND

Evaluating postoperative patients with hardware is challenging following surgical intervention for hip maladies such as femoral neck fractures and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). These children are at increased risk of developing avascular necrosis, and imaging may be requested to confirm or exclude this diagnosis. Children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease can be monitored for restoration of blood flow to the capital femoral epiphysis to guide management and help with prognosis. Although MRI is sensitive for detecting early avascular necrosis, the presence of hardware degrades image quality.

OBJECTIVE

This report examines the utility of bone scans for evaluating femoral head perfusion in children who have undergone surgery for femoral neck fractures, SCFE or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 20 patients (22 scans) after fixation for femoral neck fracture, SCFE or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease from 2012 to 2015 was performed. The bone scan findings were correlated with the intraoperative findings or clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of the 22 (95%) bone scans in 19 of the 20 (95%) patients demonstrated findings consistent with clinical outcomes and/or the intraoperative appearance of the femoral head. Four of 20 patients (20%) had bone scan features of avascular necrosis, defined as "absent" or "moderately diminished" femoral head activity, which were confirmed intraoperatively and resulted in poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Radionuclide imaging of hips in the postoperative setting is a valuable modality for assessing the risk of avascular necrosis, a complication of femoral neck fractures and SCFE and for evaluating the restoration of flow to the capital femoral epiphyses of children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Femoral Neck Fractures in Children: A Review

Paediatric femoral neck fractures are uncommon injuries and are usually caused by high-energy trauma. Low-energy trauma can result in pathologic neck fractures and stress fractures of the neck, due to repetitive activity. Surgical options can vary based on age, Delbet classification and displacement of the fracture. Treatment for displaced fractures is by closed or open reduction and smooth/cancellous screw fixation. Compression screw and side plate fixation is indicated for basal fractures. Fixation should be supplemented by spica cast immobilization in younger children. The high rate of complications occurs due to the vascular anatomy of the hip and proximal femur. Avascular necrosis, coxa vara, premature physeal closure, and nonunion are the most common and these often result in poor outcome.

Delayed treatment of femoral neck fractures in 58 children: open reduction internal fixation versus closed reduction internal fixation

The best treatment plan for femoral neck fractures in children in whom treatment is delayed by more than 24 h is unclear because of the limited number of such cases reported. This study compares the outcomes of closed and open reduction performed 24 h after the injury was sustained. We retrospectively reviewed 58 cases (40 males, 18 females) of femoral neck fractures reset after more than a 24-h delay at our hospital (May 2005 to May 2014). According to Delbet's classification, there were 30 type II fractures (51.7%), 21 type III fractures (36.2%), and seven type IV fractures (12.1%). A total of 21 patients underwent closed reduction and internal fixation; the remaining patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. The follow-up period was 17-61 months (average, 35.1 months). The results were classified according to Ratliff's criteria. With the exception of one case of bone nonunion (closed reduction group), the fracture was healed in the remaining cases. The average healing time was 10.82 weeks (9-13 weeks). The incidence of avascular necrosis was significantly lower in the open reduction group. Further, the percentage of results classified as 'fine' according to Ratliff's criteria was significantly higher in the open reduction group than in the closed reduction group. Coxa vara occurred in three patients in the closed reduction group, but it did not occur in any of the patients in the open reduction group. The incidence of avascular necrosis was significantly lower in the patients who achieved anatomical reduction than in the patients who only achieved acceptable reduction. Finally, the results in the anatomical reduction group were obviously better than those in the acceptable reduction group. Open reduction with internal fixation yielded better outcomes than closed reduction in this group of children with displaced femoral neck fractures who were treated more than 24 h after the injury. This may be related to the better reduction quality in the open reduction group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic studies: investigating the results of treatment, Level III.

Transphyseal Femoral Neck Fracture in a Twenty-Month Old Male Child

Transphyseal femoral neck fractures are an extremely rare event, mainly occurring in children subjected to an significant traumatic force. The diagnosis is usually suggested by clinical examination with radiographic confirmation. Management varies; however, no consensus exists as to proper treatment. Intervention is primarily focused on the prevention of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral epiphysis.

We present the case of a 20-month-old male with a delayed diagnosis of transphyseal femoral neck fracture. X-ray (XR) and computed tomography (CT) scan images were used for diagnosis, to track healing, and monitor the possible emergence of avascular necrosis. Final imaging demonstrated full healing without AVN at two years.

This study demonstrates the successful treatment of a rare pediatric fracture type with possible life-changing complications. Reduction, surgical fixation with K-wires, and spica casting are demonstrated as being acceptable treatment in the very young transphyseal fracture patient.

Open Reduction of Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures Reduces Osteonecrosis Risk

Pediatric femoral neck fractures are rare injuries that are associated with a high risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This study compared pediatric patients with fully displaced femoral neck fractures treated with either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). After institutional review board approval was obtained, the authors identified 53 patients who were treated for femoral neck fracture between 2003 and 2012. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) diagnosis of a fully displaced femoral neck fracture with no anatomic cortical contact; (2) age of at least 4 years; and (3) clinical/radiographic follow-up of at least 1 year. Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Excluded from the study were 16 patients who had fractures that were not fully displaced, 4 who were outside of the eligible age range, 1 who had insufficient radiographs, and 10 who had insufficient follow-up. Of the 22 patients included, 6 were treated with ORIF and 16 were treated with CRIF. Treatment groups were compared with Fisher's exact test for categorical outcome data and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. There was a significantly (P=.051) greater occurrence of osteonecrosis after CRIF (50%) than after ORIF (0%). Further, patients who underwent ORIF had a higher (P=.009) quality of reduction, a higher (P=.046) rate of anatomic union, and fewer (P=.009) complications than those who underwent CRIF. Major complications occurred in significantly fewer (P=.015) hips after ORIF than after CRIF. No significant difference (P=.477) was seen between groups, according to the Ratliff assessment of final results. Fully displaced pediatric femoral neck fractures treated with ORIF had a significantly higher quality of reduction, with fewer complications, including osteonecrosis, than those treated with CRIF.

Delayed Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis After Treatment of Femoral Neck Fracture in Children

BACKGROUND

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after the treatment of femoral neck fracture is a rare entity in children that poses important treatment challenges.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe the presentation and management of two patients, a 12-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl, each of whom developed SCFE at 5 months and 9 months, respectively, after operative treatment of femoral neck fracture.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Five similar cases have been reported in the literature. Along with our two case studies, the average age of all seven patients was 8.9 years (range, 3.6-12 years; boys, 8.9 years; girls, 9 years). None of the children was in a high weight percentile or had any known endocrinologic disorder. Two had asymptomatic mild SCFE, whereas the others felt unexplained pain with ambulation when the slippage was brought to their attention. Although it is not possible to prove a causal relationship between the initial fracture and the subsequent SCFE, clinical factors such as implant irritation, early return to weightbearing, delayed union or nonunion, coxa vara, and avascular necrosis warrant consideration as potentially related to the subsequent slip.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The onset of SCFE after surgical treatment of a femoral neck fracture may reflect inadequate treatment of the fracture. For best practice, we should perform a gentle anatomic reduction, appropriate internal fixation for femoral neck fracture in skeletally immature patients. Postoperative cast immobilization and delayed weightbearing are also important to avoid complication. It is essential for pediatric orthopaedic surgeons to be aware of this clinical scenario to allow prompt recognition and patient treatment.

Treatment analysis of paediatric femoral neck fractures: a prospective multicenter theraupetic study in Indian scenario

PURPOSE

Paediatric femur neck fractures are exceedingly rare owing to dense bone surrounded by a strong periosteum; they account for 1 % of paediatric fractures and are usually associated with high energy trauma.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter therapeutic study on pediatric femoral neck fractures from June 2004 to September 2013 at three centres in Odisha, India. Children with femoral neck fractures (Delbet type 2 and 3) who were operated and completed a minimum one-year follow-up were included. We divided the neck of femur (100 %) into four zones (25 % each), with zone I being highly unstable and zone IV being most stable. Implants for fixation, as suggested by pre-operative zone distribution, were used.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight children were studied with mean two- to seven-year follow-up. In 23 children cancellous screws were used. In zone I Smooth Moore's pins that crossed the epiphysis were the implant of choice. Causes were avascular necrosis (14.2 %), nonunion (7.14 %) and one case of implant failure, while coxa vara was encountered in two instances. Functional results (Ratliff's criteria) were good in 82.1 %, fair in 7.1 % and poor in 10.7 % of patients; the mean IOWA hip scores were 96, 94 and 98, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical intervention hastens recovery, rehabilitation and return to school and decreases the risk of developing avascular necrosis. We suggest Smooth Pins fixation in zones I and II (nearer to zone I) and cancellous screw fixation in zones II, III and IV. Decompression of hip joint by capsulotomy releases the tamponade effect and should be performed in all cases of paediatric femoral neck fractures.

Management pitfalls of fractured neck of femur in osteogenesis imperfecta

INTRODUCTION

Fractured neck of femur in osteogenesis imperfecta is rarely reported. Its management is always difficult because of bone fragility and the outcome is not well known. We, therefore, aimed to study the management pitfalls in this group of patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed five cases of fractured neck of femur in four patients treated in our hospital between 2006 and 2009. The demographic data, mode of injury, fracture configuration, treatment, complications, clinical and radiological outcome were reviewed.

RESULTS

According to the Sillence classification, one patient was type I, two were type III and one was type IV. There were two children (aged 8 and 15 years) and two adults (aged 21 and 22 years), with the 8 year-old girl suffering from hip fracture on different sides in two accidents. All five hip fractures were the result of low-energy injury and were associated with other fractures. Two undisplaced fractures required intra-operative fluoroscopic confirmation to demonstrate movement at the fracture site. The interval between the injury and fixation ranged from 6 h to 3 days. One hip required secondary surgery to openly reduce the fracture due to inadequate primary fixation and reduction. Two hips were fixed with paediatric dynamic hip screws and three hips were fixed with cannulated screws. All patients were immobilised in hip spica for 6 weeks. The average follow-up was 4 years (3-5 years). All patients had satisfactory union and none of them developed radiological evidence of avascular necrosis at the latest follow-up. All patients returned to their pre-injury functional level.

CONCLUSION

Fractured neck of femur is rare given the high prevalence of long bone fractures in osteogenesis imperfecta. They all have characteristic associated fractures of the extremity at the time of injury and neck of femur fractures could be easily missed. Fracture fixation is a great challenge to the orthopaedic surgeons because of the small size of the patients, poor bone quality with suboptimal imaging intra-operatively and compromised purchase of fixation devices. The choice of implants should be determined by the size of the patients and the presence of prior instrumentation close to the hip joint.

Femoral neck fracture as the sentinel sign of child abuse in an infant: a case report

Child abuse is a significant problem encountered by orthopedic surgeons in the USA. Fractures are the second most common presentation of physical abuse. In this case report, we present a 5-month-old male infant who initially presented with acute hip pain secondary to a femoral neck fracture as a result of abuse. The patient was taken to the operating room for open reduction and pinning of the femoral neck fracture. Further investigation found evidence of fractures of the bilateral femur and fibula at various stages of healing. To our knowledge, a femoral neck fracture in a nonambulatory infant resulting from abuse has not been reported previously. Physicians treating these injuries should consider child abuse in their differential diagnosis when presented with this clinical scenario.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Neglected femoral neck fracture in patient with seizure: a case of a delayed fixation of type 1A fracture in 11-month-old infant

Fractures of the hip are rare injuries in children, accounting for less than 1 % of all pediatric fractures. Compared with other pediatric skeletal injuries, hip fractures are associated with high complication rates and poor outcomes, most commonly osteonecrosis, as well as non-union and malunion. Although significant trauma is the most common reason of the separation of upper femoral epiphysis, furthermore some cases were reported after seizures. To our knowledge, there is no previous publication in the literature that reports the results of delayed reduction and fixation of transepiphyseal separation of the proximal femoral epiphysis. We report a case of delayed open reduction and internal fixation of Delbet type 1A femoral neck fracture following seizures in an 11-month-old male child.

Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture in children: a report of two cases and a literature review

Concomitant ipsilateral fractures of the neck and shaft of the femur in children are rare. The most recent report in this context found a total of only nine reported cases (<12 years of age) following a search of the indexed English literature. These injuries occur in children due to high-velocity trauma, and there is no generally accepted method of treatment. We report three additional cases from the literature and two cases of our own. In our cases, one had a residual 10° varus deformity at the subtrochanteric level in the femur, but this did not affect hip function. Another patient exhibited a limp at final follow-up due to leg length discrepancy, and peroneal nerve palsy at the time of injury. We advocate operative stabilization of the femoral shaft fracture first to reduce the risk of further displacement and simplify the subsequent reduction of the femoral neck. The series shows that these rare injuries have a poor prognosis, with high rates of incidence of avascular necrosis, coxa vara, and leg length discrepancy.

Pediatric femoral neck fractures: our 10 years of experience

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fractures are rare injuries in children, but the high incidence of long term complications make it an important clinical entity. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of pediatric femur neck fractures that we managed over a 10 year period.

METHODS

The study included 36 children (20 boys and 16 girls) who sustained femoral neck fractures and completed a minimum follow-up of one year. The children were treated either conservatively, or by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). The outcomes were analyzed using Ratliff criteria and a detailed record of complications was kept for all patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of included patients was 10 years (range, 3 to 16 years) and the average follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 1.1 to 8.5 years). Based on Delbet's classification system, there were 0 type I (transepiphyseal), 16 type II, 11 type III, and 9 type IV fractures. There were 8 undisplaced fractures, 4 of which later displaced after being managed initially in a hip spica. A satisfactory outcome was obtained in 27 (75%) children. Avascular necrosis (AVN) was the most common complication. It was seen in 7 of our patients, all of whom had an unsatisfactory outcome. Other complications included three cases each of coxa vara, non-union, and arthritic changes; and one case each of infection, primary screw perforation of head, and premature epiphyseal closure. Complications were lowest in the group treated by ORIF. Only 2 patients managed exclusively by conservative treatment ultimately achieved a satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that internal fixation of pediatric femoral neck fractures is preferred whenever feasible because conservative treatment carries a high risk of failure of reduction. Aggressive operative treatments aimed at anatomical reduction should be the goal and there should be no hesitation in choosing ORIF over CRIF. Outcome of patients is influenced primarily by development of AVN which occurs as an independent entity without much relation to the mode of treatment carried out.

Operative treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head after proximal femur fractures in adolescents

PURPOSE

Our aim was to assess operative treatment for post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in adolescents.

METHODS

Eleven patients with an average age of 17 (range 14-26) years were operated up on for ANFH after proximal femoral fractures. The average interval between injury and reconstructive surgery was four (range two to eight) years. The average follow-up of the entire cohort was 89 (range 48-132) months. Five patients with total ANFH were treated by total hip replacement (THR). Six patients with partial ANFH were treated with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO).

RESULTS

In all patients, operation improved hip function. The average preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 70 points and average postoperative HHS was 97 points. Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before and after VITO demonstrated resorption of the necrotic segment of the femoral head and its remodelling in all six patients with partial ANFH. A complication was encountered in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated for ANFH had good medium-term outcomes after THR for total necrosis and also after VITO for partial necrosis.

Displaced fracture of the femoral neck in children: open versus closed reduction

We have investigated whether early anatomical open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) reduces the incidence of complications of fracture of the femoral neck in children, including avascular necrosis, compared with closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). We retrospectively reviewed 27 such fractures (15 type-II and 12 type-III displaced fractures) in children younger than 16 years of age seen in our hospital between February 1989 and March 2007. We divided the patients into three groups according to the quality of the reduction (anatomical, acceptable, and unacceptable) and the clinical results into two groups (satisfactory and unsatisfactory). Of the 15 fractures treated by ORIF, 14 (93.3%) had anatomical reduction and reduction was acceptable in one. Of the 12 treated by CRIF, three (25.0%) had anatomical reduction, eight had acceptable reduction (66.7%), and one (8.3%) unacceptable reduction. Of the 15 fractures treated by ORIF, 14 (93.3%) had a good result and one a fair result. Of the 12 treated by CRIF, seven (58.3%) had a good result, two (16.7%) a fair result and three (25.0%) a poor result. There were seven complications in five patients. ORIF gives better reduction with fewer complications, including avascular necrosis, than does CRIF in fractures of the femoral neck in children.

Nonunion of capital femoral physeal fracture with a large metaphyseal fragment

This report presents a case demonstrating the nonunion of a capital femoral physeal fracture with a large metaphyseal fragment in a 10-year-old boy. To our knowledge, there is no previously reported case of this type of nonunion. The treatment of this nonunion presented a potential risk of premature physeal closure and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, so internal fixation using cannulated screws and percutaneously drilling with a Kirschner wire to the metaphyseal fragment was used and was effective in bone union without these complications.

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.

Fractures of the head and neck of the femur in children: an outcome study

Fractures of the head and neck of the femur in children are very rare, occurring only after a high-velocity trauma, e.g. a fall from a height. This analysis shows the clinical course of traumatic femoral head and neck fractures in paediatric patients. Predisposing factors for poor outcome or fracture complications, such as non-union or femoral head necrosis, are described. Between 1993 and 2006, 16 paediatric patients with proximal femoral fractures were treated at the Level One Trauma Centre of the Medical University of Vienna. The minimum follow-up was two years. Inclusion criteria were age less then 16 years, intact growth plate and a proximal femoral fracture according to the classification by Delbet and Colonna. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures or fractures of the subtrochanteric region (6/16). Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore eight patients were included in the study. All patients except one were operated upon within 48 h after the injury ("primary") and healed without further complications. A single case was managed by "secondary" surgical treatment, two weeks after the initial trauma resulting in femoral head necrosis that healed without any subjective complaints. This case series confirms the importance of early surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures in paediatric patients. An operative intervention later then 48 h after the initial trauma may increase the risk of complications such as femoral head necrosis, particularly in Delbet type I fractures (traumatic slipped capital femoral epiphysis).

A transepiphyseal fracture of the femoral neck in a child with 2 widely displaced Salter-Harris III fragments of the capital femoral epiphysis

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a transphyseal fracture of the femoral neck with a fracture of the capital femoral epiphysis involving 2 widely displaced Salter-Harris III fragments in a child. Preoperative surgical lateral radiographs of the hip of a 14-year-old boy clearly showed an anteriorly dislocated femoral head fragment. However, the overlapping ischium, soft tissue, and an anteriorly dislocated femoral head fragment caused a posteriorly dislocated fragment of the split femoral head to be overlooked on the radiographs. The emergent nature of the injury resulted in the performance of an open reduction without further imaging studies. Based on the initial evaluation, an anterior iliofemoral approach was chosen, which made it difficult to locate the posteriorly dislocated main fragment of the split femoral head. This case highlights that plain radiographs do not always provide adequate information for such injuries. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be employed to enable accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for fracture-dislocations of the pediatric hip.

Functional and radiological outcome after delayed fixation of femoral neck fractures in pediatric patients

Background

Complications that develop after femoral neck fracture in children—especially osteonecrosis—have been retrospectively attributed to inadvertent delayed fixation and fracture type. Prospective evaluation of results after delayed fixation of femoral neck fractures in children beyond the first 24 h is not reported in the literature and requires evaluation to increase our understanding of the procedure and improve fixation methods. Also, the role of capsular decompression in initial management needs to be elucidated.

Materials and methods

Radiological and functional evaluation was done for delayed fixation (>24 h) of displaced fractures in the femoral neck in 21 children (21 hips) treated over 11 years. Mean patient age was 11.8 (median 12, range 5–15) years. Extraphyseal fixation was done using partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws after closed or open reduction. Patients were allowed full weight bearing after 12–18 weeks. Results were assessed on the basis of modified Ratliff criteria. Patients were followed for a mean of 81 (range 66–129) months.

Results

All fractures united at a mean duration of 12 (range 10.6–14) weeks. Three (14.3%) patients had osteonecrosis of the hip, which was significantly related to poor outcome (r = 0.495; P = 0.022). There was a significant correlation (r = 0.52) between development of osteonecrosis and delayed fracture fixation of >10 days (P = 0.016) and open reduction (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Outcome following temporal delay in fracture fixation of the femoral neck is primarily affected by osteonecrosis of the femoral head, whereas restriction of movements, shortening, and premature physeal closure has no significant influence. Osteonecrosis is primarily linked to delay and open reduction, whereas fracture type, age, and sex seem insignificant factors. Capsular decompression does not seem to affect the outcome in delayed presentations and may hinder definitive treatment.

[Screw osteosynthesis of proximal femur fractures in children]

OBJECTIVE

Optimal reposition and stable fixation of M/1 and M/2 fractures are necessary. Careful operation and urgent surgery prevent complications.

INDICATIONS

M/1 and M/2 fractures of the proximal femur in children > 4 years.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

E/1 fractures are fixed with Kirschner wires. M/3 fractures are fixed with elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Fractures up to the age of 4 are fixed with Kirschner wires.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Surgical approach via a lateral incision. Anatomic fixation of the fracture with two to three cannulated screws.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

No weight bearing during the first 4-6 weeks. Physiotherapy is optional. Magnetic resonance imaging at least 1 year after the fracture or immediately in case of problems to control the vascular situation of the femoral head.

RESULTS

Due to the rarity of these fractures, only few results from large series have been published. M/1 fractures show a higher complication rate than M/2 fractures. The risk of avascular necrosis has to be estimated at up to 40%.

Pediatric femur neck fractures: a retrospective analysis of 39 hips

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the radiological and clinical results of pediatric femur neck fractures.

METHODS

This study included 39 children (mean age 11.1, range 4 to 16 years) who had a femur neck fracture and had at least one year of complete follow-up. The most common etiological factor was traffic accident and the most common associated skeletal injury was pelvis fracture.

RESULTS

According to Delbet's classification system, there were no type I (transepiphyseal) fractures and 21 type II (transcervical), 14 type III (cervicotrochanteric), and four type IV (intertrochanteric) fractures. The mean follow-up was 3.4 (1-9.5) years. A satisfactory outcome according to Ratliff's radiological and clinical criteria was obtained in 28 (72%) hips. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head was seen in 11 (28%) hips and the rate of satisfactory outcome was significantly higher in hips without AVN than in hips with AVN (P < 0.001). Transcervical fractures had the worst outcome (P = 0.014) and the highest rate of AVN (P = 0.077) when compared with cervicotrochanteric and intertrochanteric fractures. No significant correlation was found between both the outcome and development of AVN and age, gender, laterality, amount of fracture displacement, treatment time, and the type of reduction (open/closed) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It has been concluded that the development of AVN primarily influences the outcome in pediatric femur neck fractures and that fracture type is essentially correlated with the development of AVN and outcome.

Hip fractures in children

Hip fractures account for <1% of all pediatric fractures. Most are caused by high-energy mechanisms, but pathologic hip fractures also occur, usually from low-energy trauma. Complications occur at a high rate because the vascular and osseous anatomy of the child's proximal femur is vulnerable to injury. Surgical options vary based on the child's age, Delbet classification type, and degree of displacement. Anatomic reduction and surgical stabilization are indicated for most displaced hip fractures. Other options include smooth-wire or screw fixation, often supplemented by spica cast immobilization in younger children, or compression screw and side plate fixation. Achievement of fracture stability is more important than preservation of the proximal femoral physis. Capsular decompression after reduction and fixation may diminish the risk of osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis, coxa vara, premature physeal closure of the proximal femur, and nonunion are complications that account for poor outcomes.

Delayed fixation of displaced type II and III pediatric femoral neck fractures

BACKGROUND

Time from injury to fixation of femoral neck fractures has been postulated as a vital determinant for rate of complications; however, no prospective study is available in the English literature. Delay, unfortunately, is inevitable in developing countries. The aim of the present study is to retrospectively review the outcome after delayed fixation of displaced type II and III femoral neck fractures in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a standard assessment chart, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of all pediatric patients having femoral neck fractures presenting to our institution from June 1999 to May 2006. Inclusion criteria were children between 5 and 15 years of age sustaining displaced Delbet type II and III femoral neck fractures having a complete follow-up of at least 2 years. Patients with known metabolic disease, poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy, were excluded from the study. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 patients having 22 fractures (13 type II and 9 type III) were studied. Surgery could be performed after a mean delay of 11.22 days (ranging from 2 to 21 days). Closed reduction was achieved in 14 cases and 8 cases required open reduction through anterolateral approach.

RESULT

Osteonecrosis was noted in eight patients (36.37%) who included two of nine patients (22.22%) operated in the first week, three of eight patients (37.51%) operated in the second week, and three of five patients (60%) operated in the third week of injury. Nonunion was seen in four (18.18%) cases, and two of them were associated with failure of implants. One was treated by valgus osteotomy and the other by Meyer's procedure. Fractures united in both children but the latter developed avascular necrosis. Functional results, as assessed using Ratliff's criteria, were good in 14 (63.63%), fair in 2 (9%), and poor in 6 (27.27%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Delay in fixation, type of fracture, and ability to achieve and maintain reduction are factors primarily responsible for the outcome. We also found that delay after the first week further adversely affects the outcome.

Nonunion of fractures of the femoral neck in children

The authors present the prospective clinical outcome of nine pseudoarthroses resulting from surgical treatment carried out in nine children, whose ages varied from 6 years and 2 months to 14 years and 2 months (mean 10 years and 2 months), who had fractures of the femoral neck. Five were classified as type II, according to the Delbet classification modified by Colonna, and four were type III. The initial fractures were caused by high-energy traumas, such as trampling, bicycle falls, and car accidents. Treatment of choice was valgus osteotomy of the femoral neck associated or not with insertion of bony graft. The mean time of follow-up was 38 months, ranging from 23 to 71 months, and the mean time of pseudoarthrosis consolidation after osteotomy was 76.6 days, varying from 45 to 240 days. In this study, all the pseudoarthroses consolidated. For final analysis of clinical and radiographic results, the Ratliff's classification was used. We obtained three cases as good results, five as fair and one as poor. The authors concluded that valgus osteotomy is a good option for treatment of pseudoarthrosis in the femoral neck fractures in children.

Risk factors for avascular necrosis after femoral neck fractures in children: 25 Cincinnati cases and meta-analysis of 360 cases

PURPOSE

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is one of the most serious complications of femoral neck fractures in children. Variability in the reported rates of AVN and lack of statistical evidence has minimized the prognostic power of individual studies. The purpose of our study was to review our own cases as well as those from the literature in an effort to identify the risk factors for AVN.

METHODS

We conducted a computerized search of medical records to identify all children with femoral neck fractures treated at our institution from 1980 to 2003. Records were reviewed to determine fracture type (Delbet type I to IV), displacement, age, treatment, and incidence of AVN. A structured search of PubMed was also performed to identify all reports published in English, on femoral neck fractures in children, from 1965 to 2003. Hand searches of major orthopedic journals and reference lists of publications identified additional cases. Of the 275 citations initially identified through our computerized search, 47 met the criteria for further evaluation. These citations were reviewed by 2 investigators, and data was abstracted from 20 reports that provided patient-level data and met our criteria for inclusion.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with 25 femoral neck fractures from our institution were identified including 12 boys and 12 girls with an average age of 8 years (range 1.5 to 16). Over 300 patients who met our study criteria were also identified from the literature, and a total of 360 patients were included in the analysis. Fracture type, displacement, age, and treatment were all statistically significant independent predictors of AVN with P values <or=0.05. With logistic regression analysis, however, fracture type and age were identified as the only significant predictors of AVN. Older children were 1.14 times more likely to develop AVN for each year of increasing age. Type I to III fractures were 15, 6, and 4 times, respectively, more likely to develop AVN than type IV fractures. AVN rate by Delbet class was I=38%, II=28%, III=18%, and IV=5%.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Although several factors may contribute to the development of AVN, our meta-analysis provides statistical evidence that fracture type and age are the most significant predictors.

Fractures of the hip in children

Fractures of the hip are uncommon in children, and their importance is related not to the frequency of the injury but to the frequency of complications. Many of these complications can be minimized or avoided by anatomic reduction and internal fixation. Open reduction frequently is necessary to obtain a stable, anatomic reduction. Regardless of the age of the child, stable fixation of the fracture must be given priority over preservation of the proximal femoral physis. The development of osteonecrosis, however, is most likely related to the severity of the initial injury and is largely unaffected by treatment of the fracture.

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.

Fractures of the femoral neck in children: long-term follow-up in 62 hip fractures

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the characteristics of 103 femoral neck fractures in 102 children seen our department between 1978 and 1994. In order to evaluate the correlation between the chosen procedure and complication risks, we further reviewed the late treatment results of 62 fractures in 61 children of the series whom we had followed for a minimum of 8 years. The ages of these children at the time of injury ranged from 2 to 14 years (average 10.2 years). Sixty-three hips were available for clinical and radiographic follow-up at a minimum of 8 years (mean 14 years). Overall, 67.2% radiologically good results were obtained. Complications were coxa vara in five (8%), avascular necrosis in nine (14.5%), premature epiphysis fusion in five (8%), coxa valga in two (3.2%), non-union in one (1.6%), limb shortening in seven (11.3%), and arthritic changes in two (3.2%). Our long-term follow-up revealed that the type of treatment influences the complication rate more than do the characteristics of the fracture itself, and that the end result cannot be satisfactorily determined until after physeal closure.

Child abuse in infants with proximal physeal injuries of the femur

OBJECTIVE

Child abuse has been recognized to be a common cause of femur fractures in infants. Fractures of the proximal femoral physis in abused infants have been less emphasized. Our report seeks to highlight this infrequent but clinically important inflicted injury.

METHODS

Report of 2 cases and a literature review of fractures of the proximal femoral physis in infants, including the role of abuse in this injury.

CONCLUSION

Proximal femoral physeal injuries occur infrequently in infants but often result from abuse. Diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of femoral head ossification before 4 months of age and clinical findings suggesting developmental dysplasia of the hip. Current imaging modalities can differentiate physeal injuries from developmental dysplasia of the hip. Early recognition and treatment can minimize sequelae.

Transphyseal fracture-dislocation of the femoral neck: a case report and review of the literature

We describe a case of transphyseal hip fracture-dislocation in a 7.5-year-old patient who was treated initially by open reduction and internal fixation. Soon after the injury, the femoral head developed avascular necrosis. The treatment was focused on maintaining adequate hip range of motion and providing femoral head containment with a combined subtrochanteric femoral osteotomy and shelf acetabuloplasty. The patient's young age and good hip remodeling potential contributed to the favorable clinical outcome 3 years after the injury. The long-term prognosis remains guarded, however.

Avascular necrosis associated with fractures of the femoral neck in children: histological evaluation of core biopsies of the femoral head

There is no well-documented effective treatment for avascular necrosis following fractures of the femoral neck in children. Six children who suffered avascular necrosis following these fractures were treated with a long period of non-weight bearing. We tried to predict the advisable period of non-weight bearing by histological finding on core biopsy taken from the femoral head and present long-term follow-up results. The time interval for the biopsy ranged from 4 to 21 months after injury. Two specimens obtained within 1 year after injury showed total necrosis. The other four specimens taken more than 1 year after injury showed partial repair. Two specimens obtained from patients who had minimally displaced fractures also revealed necrotic tissue. Four patients were initially placed non-weight bearing for over 1 year. Two patients started weight bearing immediately after surgery, and late segmental collapse occurred within 1 year. They were then placed non-weight bearing for a further period in excess of 1 year. All patients, including those who had severely displaced fractures, avoided severe collapse of the femoral head. To avoid severe collapse of the femoral head due to avascular necrosis after pediatric femoral neck fractures, a long period of non-weight bearing of at least 1 year may be recommended treatment.

Traumatic dislocation of the hip with separation of the capital epiphysis: 5 adolescent patients with 3-9 years of follow-up

We reviewed 5 cases of type I epiphyseal fracture with dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum in adolescent patients. All children had an open reduction and screw fixation. In all cases, the femoral head developed avascular necrosis. The clinical result after a mean of 3-9 years' follow-up was good according to the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scale. Despite necrosis, 2 heads developed spherically after treatment: one which had a primary physeal resection and fixation, the other after an autogenous bone graft in the screw track following removal of the screw.

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.

Complications associated with surgically treated hip fractures in children

Although hip fractures make up less than 1% of all children's fractures, they commonly produce late complications such as avascular necrosis, non-union, coxa vara, and premature physeal closure. A retrospective review of 17 patients with a mean age of 11 years (range, 7-14) and with a mean follow-up of 6 years (range, 2.5-12) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for hip fractures was performed. There were 10 transcervical and five cervicotrochanteric fractures, one transepiphyseal fracture, and one intertrochanteric fracture. A total of 25 operations were performed. Overall, the complication rate was 59%, with some patients having more than one complication. Seven patients healed without any complications or sequelae. In the remaining 10 patients, the complications were avascular necrosis (nine patients), coxa vara (eight patients), premature physeal closure (seven patients), non-union (four patients), and chondrolysis (one patient). Avascular necrosis, non-union, and chondrolysis were associated with a poor outcome. At final follow-up, the results were assessed using Ratliff's criteria and included seven patients with good, six with fair, and four with poor outcome.