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Femoral fracture treatment in head-injured children: use of external fixation
The Journal of Trauma
|January 1, 1986
Insights
External fixation effectively treated femoral fractures in head-injured children experiencing spasticity, decerebrate posturing, and seizures. This method ensured good alignment and length without infection, proving simpler and safer than alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Head-injured children can develop severe complications including spasticity, decerebrate posturing, and seizures.
- Femoral fractures in this population present unique management challenges.
- Conventional treatments may carry significant risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of external fixation for femoral fractures in head-injured children with neurological impairments.
- To compare external fixation outcomes with other treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of seven pediatric patients with head injuries and femoral fractures.
- Treatment involved the application of external fixation devices.
- Fracture healing, alignment, limb length, and complications were assessed.
Main Results:
- All seven femoral fractures healed successfully with external fixation.
- Excellent alignment and maintenance of limb length were achieved.
- No infections or other significant complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- External fixation is a safe and effective treatment for femoral fractures in head-injured children with spasticity/decerebrate posturing and seizures.
- The technique offers simplicity and a favorable complication profile compared to alternative methods.
- This approach is recommended for managing such complex pediatric fractures.
Abstract:
Seven cases of femoral fractures in head-injured children with spasticity and/or decerebrate posturing and seizures were treated with external fixation. The fractures healed with good alignment, maintenance of length, and without infection. The technique is recommended both for its simplicity and lack of complications relative to other management approaches.