Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fractures with External Fixators in Children

Kim, Ha Yong; Park, Jong Hyun; Lee, Seung Hun; Kim, Kap Jung; Lee, Kwang Won; Kim, Byung Sung; Choy, Won Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was to assess the amount of overgrowth and convenience after external fixation of pediatric femoral fracture.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Followed-up more than 18 months were 20 childrens treated with external fixator for femoral fracture(mean follow-up periods: 25.5 months). Mean age was 7.15 years(range: 4-11 years). End to end apposition was done on the closed reduction. Evaluation of the result was done with five parameters; clinical results, radiological results, parents`satisfaction with questionnaire, hospital fee and complications.
RESULTS
Clincal results were not any disability in all cases. No angulation deformity was estimated in all cases, and overgrowth was estimated average 4.8mm (range: -1 ~ 13mm). Answer for questionnaire was revealed satisfactory result. Total hospital fee was average 831 thousand won in external fixator group, and average 289 thousand won in treated group with cast.
CONCLUSION
We propose that external fixation in closed femoral shaft fractures of children could be a rational alternative mode of therapy, because it has excellent clinical & radiological results and parents were satisfied with its convenience & final results. Total hospital fee was statistically higher in external fixator group.