[Femoral neck fractures during the growth period. Treatment principles, results, prognosis]

Therapy and prognosis of femoral neck fractures in children is illustrated by means of 14 patients, treated by us. In adequate treatment, prognosis of fractures type II (medially) and III (laterally) is good. Medical care has to relieve the hip joint emergently, either by operative opening of the joint during osteosynthesis or at least by punction. Because of the tendency to dislocation, it is necessary to make an internal fixation even of little or not dislocated fractures of the neck. Screws are best suited for osteosynthesis. They must not cross the upper femoral epiphysis. To prevent further damage to the epiphyseal plate, the traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphysis (fracture type I) is stabilized by K-wires. The postoperative treatment in a spica cast is necessary only in unreliable children.