Authors
Abstract
Background: Treatment of femoral fractures in children sometimes requires open reduction and plate fixation. There is potential for complication in any type of fixation, leg length discrepancy being one of them. We are reporting the results of plate fixation, with special emphasis on limb length inequality problem.Materials: In a cross-sectional study, 42 patients at 6-12 years of age with femoral shaft fractures treated dynamic compression plate fixation were assessed for mal:::union:::, non:::union:::, infection, device failure, and limb length discrepancy in a mean follow-up of 26 months (18-60 months). Physical examination, serial X-rays and scanogram were used for assessment.Results: Out of the 42 cases, 32 (76.2%) were boys and the remaining 10(23.8%) were girls. Seven patients had comminuted fractures, 5 fractures were open Gustillo type 1. Twenty four were associated with polytrauma. The mean limb length discrepancy at the end of treatment was 1.17 centimeters (0.4-2.4 centimeters). There were no device failure, mal-:::union:::, or infection.Conclusion: Treatment of paediatric femoral shaft fracture with dynamic compression plating has minimal side effects and causes minimal, if any, inequality in the length of the femur.
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