RESUMO
Background: The commonest fracture in children is encountered in femur, in lower extremity. Healing of femur fracture is common however, complications do occur frequently
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of femur fracture among children of age 4 to 10 year and to determine the outcome of external fixators for its management
Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from June, 2010 to May 2011. All the diaphyseal traumatic femur fractures in 30 children between ages of 4 to 10 years were included in the study. External fixation was performed within seven days of injury under image intensifier with linear AO type external fixator by closed method. All the patients were advised crutch walking on first post operative day. All the patients were followed until radiographic evidence of union and external fixator was removed in outpatient department
Results: Union was achieved in 100% of the patients. The mean hospital stay was four days, with a range of 3 to 8 days. Twenty five [83.3%] patients were male. Twenty seven [90%] patients have mid shaft fractures. Twenty five [83.3%] patients were hit by motorcycle. Knee stiffness was the most common complication [50%] followed by pin tract infection [40%]
Conclusion: The findings of present study suggests that external fixators are good devices for the management of femur fractures in children as no major complication was detected
RESUMO
Background: most of the traumatic injuries to the tibia are caused by motor cycle or automobile accidents. Motor cycle related tibial injuries have high incidence of skin and soft tissues loss. To decrease the ensuing burden, a spectrum of activities is needed, including injury surveillance, injury prevention and improvement in care of the wound e.g. by use of fasciocutaneous flaps
Objective: to determine the efficacy of using fasciocutaneous flaps in covering soft tissue defects in open tibial fractures
Patients and Methods: this study was a descriptive study, conducted in the orthopaedic unit of Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, from July 2008 to June 2009. All those patients who had skin loss over the tibia with intact distal neurovascular status along with ample normal surrounding skin were included in the study. Data was collected regarding age, sex of patients, size of the wound, site of the wound, level of fracture, mode of injury and use of any preventive/ protective measures
Results: twenty cases had open tibial fractures that needed fasciocutaneous flaps; there were 19 [95%] males and one [5%] female. Twelve [60%] flaps were proximally based, two [10%] transversally based and six [30%] distally based. Eleven [55%] flaps were between 6cm to 8cm. All [20] the flaps survived [100%]. Complications were noted in 9 [45%] patients. Majority [95%] did not use any protective/ preventive measures for accidents
Conclusion: this study concluded the worthwhile efficacy of the fasciocutaneous flaps. The incidence of the injury can be reduced by observing traffic rules and improving road safety