ABSTRACT
Forty-four fractures of the neck of femur in patients below 17 years of age are the subjects of this study, the mean age was 12.3 years [SD +/- 2.9] [range 5 to 16 years]. Twenty-two patients were of type Il fractures, 16 of type Ill, 4 of type IV and only two cases of type I according to Delbet's classification of fracture neck of femur in children. Four fractures were undisplaced and treated by spica cast immobilization. The other 40 fractures were displaced and treated by closed reduction and spica cast without internal fixation in 10 [22.7%] and with closed reduction with internal fixation in 30 [68.2%]. The follow-up ranged from one to five years with average of 2.5 years. The results were good in 54.6% fair in 31.8% and poor in 13.6%. The results were found to be affected by the age of the patient as well as the type of fracture and the degree of displacement. The complications met with in this study were avascular necrosis in 45.5%, coxa vara in 18.2%, non-union in 9.1% and premature physeal closure in 31.8%. Correct classification, stable anatomical reduction, with use of internal fixation for type II and III fractures with any degree of displacement are important, stress points during treatment of these fractures