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Abstract
Non-operative management is still the treatment of choice for closed fractures of
the femoral shaft in children. Indications for operative intervention would include:
children with multiple injuries; severe soft tissue damage; cases where reduction
is difficult to maintain; and children not suitable for management by traction.
Since 1984, 16 children (mean age 10.3 years) have had stabilization of their femoral
shaft fractures by external fixation (Monofixateur) in the Trauma Department of the
Hannover Medical School. The external fixation remained in place for a mean of 63
days. Of the 16 children, 15 have been reviewed, with a mean follow-up of 28.2 months.
No children who were completely managed with this fixation had any clinically relevant
malalignment, but six cases had up to 2 cm difference in leg length.
Our observations and experience show that external fixation is a useful alternative
for the operative management of femoral shaft fractures in children. It produces good
stability, is less invasive, and allows early mobilization. In order to avoid differences
in leg length, we recommend a good anatomical reduction with the external fixation
being carried out as early as possible.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 10,
1990
Identification
Copyright
© 1991 Published by Elsevier Inc.
