Birth-associated femoral fractures: incidence and outcome
Morris, S.; Cassidy, N.; Stephens, M.; McCormack, D.; McManus, F.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 22(1): 27-30
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0271-6798 PMID: 11744849 Document Number: 542973
Femoral fractures resulting from birth injuries are rare. The authors undertook a study to assess their incidence and outcome. Seven patients from a total of 55,296 live births suffered 8 femoral fractures (incidence 0.13 per 1,000 live births). Twin pregnancies, breech presentations, prematurity, and disuse osteoporosis were associated with the occurrence of a fracture. The typical injury pattern was a spiral fracture of the proximal half of the femur, which was held in an extended position. A variety of treatment modalities were used, including gallows traction, spica cast, and Pavlik harness. All patients in this study, regardless of treatment, had a satisfactory clinical outcome, with no evidence of limb length discrepancy or angular deformity on follow-up.