Causes of femoral shaft fracture in children under five years of age.
OBJECTIVE
To study the causes of femoral shaft fracture in children younger than 5 years of age.


METHODS
Retrospective, descriptive study.


METHODS
Medical records and radiographs of 39 children younger than 5 years of age with femoral shaft fractures treated in Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health during the years 1996-2001 were reviewed. The responsible causes for the femoral shaft fracture given by caretakers by interview were collected.


RESULTS
The most common history was falling or jumping from a height (36%) followed by traffic accidents (26%) and object or person falling on top of them (23%) respectively. Only one case presented with a history of abuse. Nine cases were suspected of abuse, but, without further investigations it was not possible to identify the exact cause of fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
Histories given by caretakers for the cause of femoral shaft fracture in children younger than 5 years of age are varied. The orthopedists should find out the exact cause of fracture to prevent missed or delayed diagnosis of abuse that may have occurred.
Jeerathanyasakun
Yongyot
Y
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Hiranyavanitch
Paichit
P
Bhummichitra
Dilok
D
Sukswai
Pisit
P
Kovitvanitcha
Dool
D
Thumkunanon
Veerasak
V
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors