Pediatric Femoral Neck Fractures: Unrecognized Association With Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Pediatric femoral neck fractures are uncommon injuries.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
• Understanding the interplay between these conditions is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify pediatric femoral neck fractures.
• To determine the prevalence of ASD and NDD in these patients.
• To assess the impact of ASD/NDD on clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 140 pediatric patients with femoral neck fractures.
• Data collection included demographics, clinical and radiographic findings, and ASD/NDD status.
• Statistical analysis using t tests and χ2 tests (P<0.05).

Main Results:

• 28% of patients with femoral neck fractures had ASD or NDD.
• ASD/NDD patients showed increased neurological/gastrointestinal comorbidities and low vitamin D.
• Home-related injuries were more prevalent in the ASD/NDD group.
• Complications like infection and avascular necrosis were infrequent and similar between groups.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between pediatric femoral neck fractures and ASD/NDD.
• Children with ASD/NDD present with distinct medical comorbidities and injury patterns.
• These findings highlight unique risk profiles and inform management strategies for this patient group.