Reconstruction plate fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures in children.

Pediatric subtrochanteric femoral fractures are rare and have received limited attention in the literature Treatment is controversial. Different treatment options are used: skin traction, 90/90 skeletal traction, spica casting, cast bracing, internal fixation and external fixation. The aim of this study is to present our results with internal fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures in children using a reconstruction plate. Between 2000 and 2004, eighteen patients with closed subtrochanteric femoral fractures were treated in the Mansoura Emergency Hospital. The average age at the time of injury was 8.2 years (range 5.3 years to 11.5 years). Pathological fractures and fractures associated with neuromuscular diseases were excluded from this study. Eight patients had head injuries and/or multiple injuries. In all cases a single 4.5 mm contoured reconstruction plate was used and a 6.5 mm cancellous screw was inserted through the plate into the femoral neck. Average follow-up was 38 months (range, 12 to 47 months). All fractures united with anatomical alignment within an average of 8 weeks (range 6 to 12 weeks). There were no deep infections and no significant limb length discrepancies. At the latest follow-up, no patient had any restriction of activities. Internal fixation with a reconstruction plate appears as a good treatment option for children with subtrochanteric femoral fractures.