Outcome of paediatric dynamic hip screw fixation for the treatment of proximal femoral fracture in the age group of 6-16 years

Background: Pediatric proximal femoral fractures continue to be a topic of great interest because of their rarity, related complications and morbidity, and variation in treatment methods. Recently, paediatric Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) has got popularity by the orthopaedic surgeon which is biomechanically more stable construct with fewer complication rates. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at NITOR from January 2020 to December 2021. Paediatric patients in above age group with Delbet type III, IV and subtrochanteric fractures meeting the selection criteria were study population. Total 36 patients were included in the study. Cases were evaluated by clinical findings, imaging by X-ray and HHS. Twenty-four weeks follow up was done with clinical, functional and radiological assessment. Results: In this study, the mean age was 10.1±3 years with a male predominance (72.2%). In 28 cases of Delbet type III and IV fracture closed reduction could be done but in 8 cases of subtrochanteric fracture open reduction was needed. The mean HHS was 89.9±12.1 at last follow up. Finally, out of 36 cases, 20 (55.56%) were excellent, 10 (27.8%) were good, 4 (11.1%) were fair and the rest 2 (5.6%) was poor. Conclusion: Delbet type III and IV fracture and subtrochanteric fracture can be effectively treated with paediatric DHS in paediatric age group with a good safety profile.