Causes of femoral shaft fracture in children under five years of age
Jeerathanyasakun, Y.; Hiranyavanitch, P.; Bhummichitra, D.; Sukswai, P.; Kovitvanitcha, D.; Thumkunanon, V.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 86 Suppl. 3: S661-S666
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 14700164 Document Number: 8438
To study the causes of femoral shaft fracture in children younger than 5 years of age. Retrospective, descriptive study. Medical records and radiographs of 39 children younger than 5 years of age with femoral shaft fractures treated in Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health during the years 1996-2001 were reviewed. The responsible causes for the femoral shaft fracture given by caretakers by interview were collected. The most common history was falling or jumping from a height (36%) followed by traffic accidents (26%) and object or person falling on top of them (23%) respectively. Only one case presented with a history of abuse. Nine cases were suspected of abuse, but, without further investigations it was not possible to identify the exact cause of fracture. Histories given by caretakers for the cause of femoral shaft fracture in children younger than 5 years of age are varied. The orthopedists should find out the exact cause of fracture to prevent missed or delayed diagnosis of abuse that may have occurred.