Early spica cast in children femoral shaft fractures

ABSTRACT

To find out the advantages of early spica cast as a treatment for isolated, uncomplicated femoral shaft fracture in children. Descriptive Study. This study was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics, DHQ Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan ospital DeraGhazi Khan from April 2009 to December 2010. A total of 30 patients were included in the study. All patients under the age of 12 years, who presented during the study period with femoral shaft fracture were included in the study. A total of 30 children with femoral fractures were treated with early spica cast. Age ranged from 2 year to 11 years. Male to female ratio was 2.751. Majority of children were under 5 years. In most of the children spica cast was applied on the day of presentation within few hours and were sent home on the same day. Twenty one children were followed till removal of spica cast. Period of immobilization in spica cast ranged from 4 weeks to 7 weeks with average of 5.73 weeks. Common problems related to spica cast were soakage and breakage of spica which occurred in 9[42.85%] children. At the time of cast removal shortening ranged from 0.5cm to 2.5 cm in 15 out of 21 [71.42%] children Early spica cast is simple, effective and definite method of treatment with minmal complications and acceptable results in paediatric age group. It allows rapid return of child to family environment, thus avoiding prolonged separation from parents