CHIEFS FEMUR BREAK CRACK

The use of intramedullary nails, external fixators, and other stabilization devices represent a dramatic improvement over the traditional approach to fractures of the femur. How has treatment for femoral fractures evolved? However, a single, thicker and more rigid nail is used rather than the smaller flexible nails.Īn external fixation ('ex-fix'). Intramedullary nailing can also work well in older or heavier children, typically those over age 10 and heavier than 100 pounds. The periosteum helps keep the bone more stable and reduces the need for a heavy and rigid device, such as those that might be used in adults.' Treatment for older children and adolescents 'They are particularly useful in five- to ten-year-old children who have a thick lining around the bone called the periosteum, which might be likened to the peel on a banana. 'Intramedullary nails are usually very well-tolerated,' says Dr. When the bone is completely healed, usually around one year after the injury occurs, the child returns to the hospital to have the nails removed. In most cases, a recovery period of three to six weeks of early healing is necessary before the child can begin walking on the injured leg. Scher says, however a knee immobilizer is commonly used for a few weeks to prevent movement and to keep the child comfortable. Intramedullary nails come in a range of diameters to accommodate the varying size of children’s bones. ( Click or tap the image to view in a larger size.)

X-ray showing flexible intramedullary nails in place. This procedure usually takes place in the operating room and a pediatric anesthesiologist is present to administer a sedative or general anesthesia to keep the child comfortable. In most cases, the orthopedic surgeon realigns the fracture using fluoroscopy or X-ray imaging as a guide and immobilizes the leg in the spica cast. How are toddlers and young children treated for fractures of the femur?Īmong children ranging from toddlers up to five, femur fractures usually result from a low energy fall, and a special type of cast called a spica cast is the most common treatment. As the body lays down new bone, over time, there is an automatic 'correction' or straightening during growth, called remodeling. Unlike the healing process in adults, a certain amount of variation in alignment of the bone as it heals is acceptable in infants and older children, notes Dr. Scher, MD, Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery. 'At this young age, children’s bones heal very rapidly, usually by three to four weeks,' says David M.

Pavlik harness on a child with developmental hip dysplasia. How are femoral fractures in newborns and infants treated? The potential for any shortening of the bone that can sometimes occur with a fracture of a growing bone.The amount of growth the child has remaining.The amount of soft tissue injury present.Spiral fracture (a longer fracture that usually spans a longer segment of the bone).Oblique fracture (a fracture across the bone at an angle).Transverse fracture (straight across the shaft of the bone).However, there are also unique factors and considerations in the treatment of broken bones in children. What are the treatments for a broken femur in children?Īs in an adult, the treatment goals for a child with a broken femur include achieving proper realignment of the bone, promoting rapid healing, and returning the patient to normal activities.

CHIEFS FEMUR BREAK CRACK

A motor vehicle accident, a fall from a piece of playground equipment, or even a piece of furniture at home may result in a broken leg that can range in severity from a simple hairline crack to a complex injury that also involves damage to surrounding soft tissues. Despite the size and strength of the femur (the thighbone), femoral fractures in children are not uncommon.

Chiefs femur break