Distal femoral physeal fracture-dislocation (Salter-Harris-I) in a newborn: A case report

Abstract

Physeal fractures in newborns are relative rare injuries, most often occurring as a result of birth trauma. Salter-Harris fractures of the distal femur should be treated as knee dislocation and, hence, as a medical emergency. A high index of suspicion for vascular injury should be present. Reduction, stabilization, and, if necessary, vascular repair should be carried out at the earliest to avoid permanent damage/deformity. We report a case of distal femoral physeal fracture and dislocation in a 2-day old neonate presenting with a swollen knee and decreased motion of the right lower extremity shortly after delivery.