Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fracture in Children, Aged 2-7 Years in Phrae Hospital

Abstract

A retrospective cohort study was carried out to compare treatment outcomes between two methods of treatment; immediate spica cast or early spica cast and proximal tibial pin traction followed with spica casting femoral shaft fracture of 20 children aged 2-7 years,from 1995 to 2009.

Each group composed of 10 patients. Types of femoral fracture were classified as spiral, transverse or oblique; noncomminuted and closed. In comparison of the two groups, after immediate casting at first week, shortening and angulation occurred in 5 patients of the first group that required repeated reduction and wedging. The second group was treated by traction to control acceptable alignment until callus formation became apparent and the fracture was stable. Pins removal and application of a spica cast were followed. Acceptable results in both groups emerged.