Non-union of a closed fracture in a child's femoral shaft.
A 7-year-old child sustained a non-union of a closed fracture of the femoral shaft following conventional treatment by traction and casting. Evaluation revealed a false aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery at the level of the fracture as the cause of non-union. Vascular repair resulted in a stable union of the femur. Non-union of a closed shaft fracture in children is an unusual event and demands thorough evaluation to find the etiologic agent.
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects; D014945:Wound Healing