CLASSIFICATION, MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATI ONS OF FEMORAL-NECK FRACTURES IN CHILDREN

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare injuries (less than 1 perc ent). The fracture pattern consists of transepiphyseal, transcervical, cervicotrochanteric and intertrochanteric fractures. Main problems wi th this type of injury are avascular necrosis, varus deformity, nonuni on and premature epiphyseal closure. Varus and nonunion are affected b y the treatment, vascular compromise with necrosis or growth problems are not related to therapy and hardly to control. Primary dislocated f ractures are emergencies and need immediate operative management. Stab ilization Is achieved with K-wires or cancellous screws dependent on t he child's age. In children below 3 years a pelvis cast is necessary p ostoperatively. Partial weight bearing is started 6 weeks post trauma and is rapidly increased to full weight bearing. One year post-operati on the metal is removed, K-wires directely after bony healing.