Delayed Onset Iatrogenic Femur fracture in a Child Primarily treated with Cerclage Wires: Unrecorded Complications of an Unconventional Treatment Method

Abstract

Paediatric femur shaft fractures are common bony injuries in children. Although there are set protocol for these fractures, sometimes a deviation from standard methods may lead to unpredicted consequences. We report a case of femoral shaft fracture in a 8 years old boy which was primarily treated with 3 cerclage wires. The fracture healed over next few months but the child presented with refracture at the same site 11 months post first surgery. There was vascular compromise at the cerclage site which caused the fracture. This was treated with plate fixation and fracture finally healed. In this case report we highlight how not following the basic principles of treatment and management can lead to further complications. We also bring to light a previously unreported complication of one such unfavoured and rather unconventional method of fixation. Keywords: Pediatric Femur Fracture, Cerclage, Nonunion, iatrogenic