Abstract
Background- Diaphyseal femur fracture in paediatric age group are common in orthopaedics with treatment options varying from conservative methods such as hip spica to operative measures such as nailing/plating. We analyzed results of patients treated conservatively in a hip spica cast. Material and Methods- 58 patients, upto 5 years of age, with shaft femur fracture managed by hip spica cast were retrospectively analysed in terms of healing clinically and radiologically and complications noted, if any. Results- Fracture healed satisfactorily in all patients. Mean age of patients affected was 3.8 years. Males were more affected and road side accident was most common etiology. Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Most common complication was skin breakage (27.58%) followed by cast soiling or breakage (13.79%) while shortening was seen in 3 patients (5.1%) and angulation in 2 patients (3.44%). Conclusion- Despite newer and safer implants, hip spica remains safe and cost effective method for treatment of femur fracture in children.
Highlights
Paediatric femur fractures, one of the common lower extremity fractures are encountered in orthopaedics with an incidence of 1.6% [1]
We present our experience of 58 patients with femoral shaft fractures treated by immobilization in hip spica cast
Mean hospital stay was days ranging from 1-7 days
Summary
Paediatric femur fractures, one of the common lower extremity fractures are encountered in orthopaedics with an incidence of 1.6% [1]. The literature recommends use of spica casting for pediatric shaft femur fractures between the ages of six months and five years [2]. They can be managed either conservatively or operatively depending on patient profile, age of patient and fracture pattern [3]. Diaphyseal femur fracture in paediatric age group are common in orthopaedics with treatment options varying from conservative methods such as hip spica to operative measures such as nailing/plating. Material and Methods- 58 patients, upto 5 years of age, with shaft femur fracture managed by hip spica cast were retrospectively analysed in terms of healing clinically and radiologically and complications noted, if any. Conclusion- Despite newer and safer implants, hip spica remains safe and cost effective method for treatment of femur fracture in children
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