Refracture of adolescent femoral shaft fractures: a complication of external fixation. A report of two cases.
Malunion is often a problem in adolescent femoral shaft fractures treated with traction and subsequent casting. We used external fixation as an alternative treatment method to control alignment and allow early mobilization. After fracture healing and fixator removal, two patients experienced refracture. This unusual complication is the basis of our report. Prolonged rigid or static fixation appears to be detrimental to sufficient callus formation and healing.
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Department of Orthopaedics, Scott and White, Temple, Texas.
Lindsey
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RW
Hadley
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NA
Barnes
D A
DA
D002648:Child; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence