External fixation of pediatric femur fractures with cortical contact.
The cases of 40 pediatric femur fractures treated with external fixation were reviewed to determine whether stabilization with cortical contact resulted in clinical leg-length discrepancy (LLD). Mean follow-up was 29.4 months, mean age was 6.6 years (range, 2-10 years), 25 injuries were isolated, 100% of the fixators were applied with cortical contact, all fractures healed by a mean of 92 days, 72.5% were dynamized before removal, mean LLD was 0.24 cm short, and complications included 1 refracture (2.5%), early removal of 2 loose pins (1.25% of 160 pins), pin-tract infections in 21 patients (52.5%), and 1 LLD (2.5%) of more than 1.0 cm (5.0 cm short). External fixation with cortical contact was an effective treatment for pediatric femur fractures. It limited overgrowth and resulted in few refractures. Pin-tract infections were common.
Matzkin
Elizabeth G
EG
The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. ematzki@aol.com
Smith
Eric L
EL
Wilson
Andrew
A
Murray
Patrick C
PC
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome