Evaluation of the Management of Femur Fracture in Children Under 6 Years

Introduction: Pediatric femoral shaft fractures are more commonly seen in children of age 1-6 years. Different treatment approaches are used based on the age, fracture characteristics, and preferences of the surgeon. Previously Spica casting was the primarily used treatment option but other treatment options like intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis have become common in recent years. Aim and Objective: To evaluate the demographics and treatment trends in pediatric femoral shaft fractures in children aged 1-6 years. Methods: Data was collected from 87 patients with femoral shaft fractures in children with age 1-6 years retrospectively. Demographic data like age, sex, ethnicity, and treatment modalities were analyzed. Treatment options like Spica casting, intramedullary nail, plate osteosynthesis, brace, splinting, external fixation and others were included. The statistical was performed using ANOVA, chi-square test, and t-test. Results: Spica casting was the most often used treatment (71.2%), and the majority of patients were males (77%), were between the ages of 1-3 years (72.4%). By age group, however, treatment trends differed considerably. While older children (ages 4-6) were more likely to receive intramedullary nails (37.5%) or plate osteosynthesis (25%), spica casting was more common in younger children (92% in ages 1-3). Spica casting has been less common over time, but intramedullary nails and plate osteosynthesis have become more common from 2016 to 2020. Conclusion: Patients aged 1-3 years are more likely to receive non-surgical methods like spica casting, whereas children aged 4-6 years are more likely to have surgical procedures like plate osteosynthesis and intramedullary nails.