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Growing fractures: an unusual complication of head injuries in pediatric patients
D Locatelli1, A L Messina, N Bonfanti
1Department of Surgery, University of Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Growing fractures in infants require prompt surgical intervention. Early repair of bone defects is crucial to prevent irreversible neurological deficits in affected babies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Infant Bone Development
Background:
- Growing fractures are rare pediatric bone lesions.
- These fractures can present at birth or develop postnatally.
- Early diagnosis and management are critical for optimal outcomes.
Observation:
- The study reviewed three infant cases of growing fractures.
- Two cases showed lesion progression due to delayed specific treatment.
- Extracranial mass enlargement was observed in these cases.
Findings:
- Prompt surgical treatment is essential upon diagnosis of growing fractures.
- Early repair of the bone defect is necessary.
- Delayed intervention can lead to complications.
Implications:
- Timely surgical repair can prevent irreversible neurological deficits.
- Understanding the progression of growing fractures aids in treatment planning.
- This highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and swift intervention in pediatric bone anomalies.
Abstract:
Authors analyze three cases of growing fractures they observed in infants under the age of one year. It is noticeable that in two cases, even if the lesion was already present when babies underwent the first procedure, no specific treatment was adopted, thus resulting in a progressive enlargement of the extracranial mass. Surgical treatment must be performed quickly after the diagnosis of growing fracture is done due to the necessity of an early repair of the bone defect to avoid the eventual onset of neurological deficits since they are not reversible.