Femoral Fracture During Neonatal Circumcision: An Unusual and Avoidable Complication

Neonatal circumcision is a common surgical procedure. Although complications occur, femoral fracture is rarely reported. A 10-day old boy presented with swelling of the right thigh and irritability four hours after circumcision. He was said to have been forcefully restrained at both thighs during the procedure because anaesthesia was not given. Clinical and radiologic evaluation showed a fracture of right femur. The fracture was treated by Gallows traction along with care of the circumcision wound. He did well and was discharged home after 16 days. Neonatal femoral fractures are rare and usually due to birth injury. Femoral fracture occurring during circumcision is rare and avoidable. Training and retraining of personnel involved in circumcision regarding the techniques of the procedure, appropriate analgesia and safety points are crucial to avoiding such complication.