[Intertrochanteric femoral fractures in children]

P C Strohm1, H Schmal, K Kuminack

  • 1Department für Orthopädie und Traumatologie, Kindertraumatologie, Klinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau. peter.strohm@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Der Unfallchirurg
|May 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are rare in children. Surgical stabilization using a locking compression plate allows for early mobilization and full weight-bearing, offering a superior treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Trauma Surgery
  • Pediatric Bone Fractures

Background:

  • Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are uncommon injuries in the pediatric population.
  • The complex musculature of the proximal femur complicates conservative fracture management.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of intertrochanteric femoral fractures were reviewed.
  • Literature review on the management of these rare childhood fractures was conducted.

Findings:

  • Conservative treatment is challenging due to muscle forces causing fragment displacement (flexion, abduction, external rotation).
  • Surgical stabilization using an angular stable, locking compression plate is the preferred therapeutic approach.
  • This surgical method facilitates postoperative mobilization with full weight-bearing.

Implications:

  • Highlights the effectiveness of surgical intervention for pediatric intertrochanteric femur fractures.
  • Advocates for locking compression plate fixation as the gold standard in managing these injuries.
  • Supports early functional recovery and weight-bearing in pediatric patients with this fracture type.