Abstract

Fractures of the femoral neck in children are rare and usually the result of severe trauma. The femoral necks in children, in contrast to those of adults, have many anatomic and physiologic differences. Among the late complications encountered are avascular necrosis, coxa vara, premature closure of the proximal capital femoral epiphysis and nonunion. In spite of careful management, significant complication rate often results. Nine cases of fractures of the femoral neck in children which were treated at Yeungnam University Hospital from June 1984 to August 1987 were reviewed. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The main causes of fractures were traffic accidents (5 cases). 2. Among 9 patients, 6 were girls and 3 were boys. 3. According to the classification of Delbet and Colonna, the transcervical fracture (6 cases) was the commonest type. 4. 4 cases were treated by closed reduction and internal fixation, 3 cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. 2 cases were treated by skin traction and cast. 5. The results were analyzed according to Ratliff's assessment. 6 cases showed good results, and 3 cases showed poor results. 6. Early diagnosis and good fixation method seemed to be vital to prognosis.