Role of Ilizarov External Fixator in the Management of Proximal/Distal Metadiaphyseal Pediatric Femur Fractures

Abstract

Given the constraints of a short metaphyseal fragment and adjacent growth plates, there are limited options for operative fixation of metadiaphyseal fractures of the femur in children. This article outlines the surgical technique and reports early results of metadiaphyseal pediatric femur fractures treated with an Ilizarov external fixator by a single surgeon. Ten skeletally immature males with 5 proximal and 5 distal metadiaphyseal femur fractures underwent closed reduction and application of an Ilizarov external fixator. Time in the fixator averaged 138 (range, 104-180) days. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, there were no cases of loss of reduction, refracture, malalignment, leg length inequality, or loss of knee and hip mobility. Although superficial pin tract infections were common, no patient developed deep infection or required premature pin removal. One patient developed a transient foot drop after external fixation for a distal metadiaphyseal fracture, which recovered after revision of the pin construct. A low profile Ilizarov fixator can be effective in the management of certain metadiaphyseal pediatric femur fractures that may be difficult to manage by traditional methods.