Management and Outcome of Transepiphyseal Femoral Neck Fracture-Dislocation with a Transverse Posterior Wall Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report

Traumatic Hip Dislocation Associated with Proximal Femoral Physeal Fractures in Children: A Systematic Review

Traumatic hip dislocation might lead to serious complications and a poor outcome. Fortunately, it is a rare condition in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to establish and describe the complications caused by hip dislocations associated with transphyseal femoral neck fractures. Therefore, we conducted a literature review that resulted in 11 articles, including 32 patients, older than 10 years of age, suffering from traumatic hip dislocation associated with a transphyseal femoral neck fracture. We presented a case series of three patients with hip fracture-dislocation treated in our clinic that were also evaluated and included in the study. For the 35 patients included in the study group, the percentage of avascular osteonecrosis after hip fracture-dislocation was 88.57%. Traumatic hip dislocation associated with transphyseal femoral neck fracture is a rare condition and has a poor prognosis because of the high incidence of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN). Reduction should be attempted within six hours the from injury, but this may not minimize the risk of AVN if transphyseal separation occurs. The approach may influence the development of AVN; lateral approach of the hip with great trochanter osteotomy seems to have the lowest number of cases of AVN.

Favorable Outcome Twenty-Two Months after Delbet Type Ib Capital Femoral Transepiphyseal Fracture and Posterior Column Acetabular Fracture in a Fifteen-Year-Old Male

Case

A fifteen-year-old male patient sustained a posteriorly dislocated right capital femoral Delbet type Ib epiphyseal fracture-separation and a right acetabular posterior column fracture after a low-energy trip and fall. The capital femoral epiphysis was closed reduced and fixed with cannulated screws on an urgent basis. He underwent acetabular osteosynthesis via a Kocher-Langenbeck approach two days thereafter. Twenty-two months after injury, he was weight-bearing on the right lower extremity without radiologic evidence of avascular necrosis or clinical evidence of pain or functional deficit.

Conclusion

Fracture-separation of the capital femoral epiphysis comprises only 8% of skeletally immature femoral neck fractures in the Delbet and Colonna classification. Prognosis is worse with ipsilateral hip dislocation due to the risk of avascular necrosis from disruption of the medial femoral circumflex artery. Urgent referral to a trauma center and treatment by appropriate specialists enables good long-term results after this uncommon traumatic injury pattern.

Fractures of the Proximal Femur in Childhood: A Review

BACKGROUND

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare injuries, occurring due to high-energy trauma. Due to the unique anatomy and blood supply of the proximal femur in growing children, these fractures are notorious for high rates of complications despite appropriate management. Classification of these fractures is according to the Delbet system, which not only guides management but also gives prognostic clues. Multiple fixation methods have been described and there is no consensus on what constitutes the best treatment. Osteonecrosis, non-union, coxa vara and premature physeal arrest are the most frequent complications.

PURPOSE

To review the current knowledge, discuss controversial aspects, and provide suggestions for future research.

METHODS

We have reviewed the literature on paediatric proximal femur fractures and have provided an evidence-based guide to the diagnosis and management of these injuries. Common complications have been elaborated and options for their prevention and/or management discussed.

CONCLUSION

There is universal agreement that anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation, supplemented by spica immobilization in younger children, are essential to obtain good outcomes. The role of capsular decompression, choice and configuration of implant, and appropriate timing of surgery are aspects that continue to be debated. Multicenter prospective studies are necessary to standardize treatment of these challenging injuries.