ABSTRACT
Background: There remains a lack of high-quality evidence on the treatment of pediatric femur shaft fractures. Therefore, treatment choices may still be based on personal preference of treating surgeons. To gain insight in considerations regarding treatment options, we conducted a survey among Dutch trauma and orthopedic surgeons. Methods: This survey was conducted in 2020, regarding treatment considerations for closed femoral shaft fractures in children in different age and weight groups. Results: One hundred forty-two surgeons were included in the analysis. 31% of participating surgeons considers surgical fixation in children of 2-4 years old, compared to 83% in children of 4-6 years old. In terms of weight, 30% considers surgery in children of 10-15 kg, compared to 77% considering surgery in children weighing 15-20 kg. While most surgeons find traction and spica cast suitable options for children younger than 4 years, a minority also considers these treatment modalities for children older than 4 (traction: 81% versus 19%, spica cast 63% versus 29% respectively). 33% of surgeons considers ESIN under 4 years of age, compared to 88% in children older than 4. Conclusion: An age of 4 years and a weight of 15 kg seem to be cut off points regarding preference of non-surgical versus surgical treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures. There is a wide range of ages and sizes for which treatment options are still being considered, sometimes differing from the national guideline. This questions guideline adherence, which may be due to a lack of available high-quality evidence.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To review current literature on treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures in children of 2-10 years old, with subgroup analysis of children aged 2-6 years, comparing intramedullary nailing (IMN) to conservative treatment modalities. METHODS: We included clinical trials and observational studies that compared traction and subsequent casting (TSC), spica casting and IMN for treatment of femur shaft fractures in children of 2-10 years of age. Subgroup analysis of children aged 2-6 years was performed. RESULTS: Compared to treatment with immediate spica casting, IMN led to significantly less coronal angulation (mean difference (MD): 2.03 degrees, confidence interval (CI) 1.15-2.90), less sagittal angulation (MD: 1.59 degrees, CI 0.82-2.35) and lower rates of LLD (Risk difference (RD): 0.07, CI 0.03-0.11). In terms of rehabilitation, IMN leaded to shorter time until walking with aids (MD: 31.53 days, CI 16.02-47.03), shorter time until independent ambulation (MD: 26.59 days, CI 22.07, 31.11) and shorter time until full weight bearing (MD: 27.05 days, CI 6.11, 47,99). Compared to TSC, IMN led to a lower rate of malunion (RD: 0.31, CI 0.05-0.56), shorter hospital stays (MD: 12.48 days, CI 11.57, 13.39), time until walking with aids (MD: 54.55, CI 40.05-69.04) and full weight bearing (MD: 27.05 days [6.11, 47,99]). CONCLUSION: Although a lack of quality evidence, this systematic review showed a clear tendency to treatment with elastic intramedullary nails of femoral shaft fractures in children of 2-10 years of age.
Subject(s)
Femoral Fractures , Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary , Bone Nails , Casts, Surgical , Child , Child, Preschool , Femoral Fractures/surgery , Femur/surgery , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
A 23-year-old morbidly obese woman (BMI: 62,5 kg/m2) came to the ER because of a painful right knee. When walking the knee had collapsed spontaneously. Physical examination of the right leg was not possible due to pain. Examination of the unaffected left leg revealed multi-directional instability. A radiograph showed anterior luxation of the tibia.
