Abstract
Femoral fractures in children is the commonest cause for hospitalization in our institution. It was decided to investigate the epidemiology of these fractures. All cases of traumatic femoral fractures in patients under the age of 18 were retrospectively analysed, in children hospitalised between 2003 and 2005. Pathologic fractures were excluded. Fractures were divided into 3 groups, proximal fractures, diaphyseal fractures and distal metaphyseal fractures.
845 Fractures were included in the study. 7.5% were proximal fractures, 76.2% were fractures of the diaphysis, and 16.3% were distal metaphyseal fractures. Road accidents were the commonest cause in all 3 groups, accounting for 38% of the fractures. In the proximal fracture group (63 fractures) the sex ratio was equal, the average age was 9 years and the mean hospital stay was 13 days. 52.4% Were surgically treated. Of the diaphyseal fractures (644) the sex ratio was 2 males to 1 female, the average age was 6.2 years, and the average hospital stay was 6 days. Only 7% were treated surgically. Of the distal femoral fractures (138) the sex ratio was 3 males to 1 female. 21% Of these were due to sports injuries, all occurring in children over the age of 12, and nearly all boys. 15.2% were treated surgically. The average age was 11.2 years, and the average hospital stay was 7 days.
The authors conclude that diaphyseal fractures were the commonest type, and that each fracture group had its own characteristics. The epidemiological aetiology of diaphyseal fractures in this study differed in some aspects from other reported studies.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Léana Fourie, CEO SAOA, PO Box 12918, Brandhof 9324 South Africa.
