Variable angle locking plate for treatment of the pediatric subtrochanteric femoral fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinical effects of variable angle locking plate ( VLP ) in the treatment of pediatric subtrochanteric femoral fractures. Methods Between January 2012 and November 2014, 9 pre-school children were treated at our department for subtrochanteric femoral fractures. They were 6 boys and 3 girls, with an average age of 4. 8 years ( from 4 to 6 years ) . By the Seinsheimer classification, 5 cases were of typeⅡB and 2 of typeⅡC and 2 of typeⅢA. The intervals between injury and surgery averaged 3 days ( from 2 to 5 days ) . All of them were treated with open reduction and VLP internal fixation. Results All the wounds healed well without any infection. All the stitches were removed within 12 days. They were followed up for 8 to 26 months ( average, 16 months ) . All the fractures united within 3 months after operation. Follow-ups revealed no plate or screw loosening, or refracture at the same site. According to the Beaty imaging criteria, the early outcomes were all satisfactory. At the final follow-ups, all the children gained normal gait after full-weight rehabilitation. The affected and normal hips are nearly identical in range of motion and muscle strength. All the children recovered their pre-injury status. By the Sanders scoring for function of the affected hip, 7 cases were rated as excellent and 2 as good. Conclusion VLP can be an effective option for treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures in preschool children patients.