Remodelling after femoral shaft fracture in children

Fifty-two children in the 1-14 year age range who had a femoral fracture and were treated by traction and casting, were re-examined 2-17 years later. The results of radiological measurements of femoral length and alignment are analysed by computer. The femoral over-growth following fracture 10.7+/-6.6 mm, did not depend on site or dislocation of fracture. Lateral dislocation completely corrected, varus deformity on an average only up to 40% and valgus deformity up to 60% of the initial defect. Minor deviations corrected less. Repairing continued for over 5 years. Ante- and recurvatum could correct nearly 70%, if the original deformity was over 10 degrees, otherwise less. In neither plane was the correction of axial deviation influenced by site or type of fracture. There were individual cases of complete correction of axial dislocation and cases of complete failure to correct.