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Abstract

This study was carried out to check the efficacy of external fixators as comparedto conservative management in treating fracture shaft of femur in children from 2 to 8 years.Fracture shaft of femur in this age group are usually managed with traction for 2-3 weeksfollowed by hip spicca of 3-4 weeks. It is difficult to achieve good reduction by traction. Thisis not well tolerated by children. Hospital stay is prolonged. Perenial hygiene is difficult andpressure sores are common. LLD (limb length discrepancy), knee stiffness and gait changesare the long term complications associated with conservative management.6 We managed 31cases of fracture shaft of femur in 30 children from the age of 2-8 years with external fixators(ex-fix) and compared the results with 24 cases of fracture femur managed with traction andhip spicca. Study design: Prospective study. Tertiary care hospitals of military at Muzaffarabad,Kharian and Malir. Period: Sep 2008 to Mar 2015. Material & Methods: Informed consent wasobtained. Children from 2 to 8 years were included in this study. AO External fixator with 3.5mm shanze screws was used with 2 screws on each side of fracture. External fixators wereremoved after 8 weeks in most (>90%) of the cases. Patients were discharged on 1st postopday. Results: Observations were made during hospital period and then fortnightly and aminimum follow up of 6 months was done. Union was assessed clinically and on X-rays (3surfaces union). Observations made regarding reduction achieved, complications of procedureand compliance of children. Any LLD, knee stiffness and gait abnormality were noted during the6 months of follow up and compared with 24 cases managed conservatively (control group).