Diaphyseal fractures specific to children

Abstract

Introduction:Fractures specific to children deserve to be individualized from other fractures because of the particular pathological pictures, therapeutic orientations and evolutionary aspects usually borrowed from a good prognosis. Objective: The aim was to report on the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of diaphyseal fractures specific to children. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective study over a period of 4 years at the pediatric surgery department of the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Results: The frequency was 13.14% of all fractures diagnosed during the same period. The most affected age group was 6 to 15 years. Domestic accidents were the most frequent cause, followed by recreational accidents. The two bones of the forearm were the most affected. Most of the fractures involved the distal third with 101 fractures. Green wood fractures predominated (47%), followed by butter clod fractures (43%). Plastic and subperiosteal fractures accounted for 9% and 6% of fractures, respectively. All our patients benefited from an orthopedic treatment that consisted of 150 circular casts, 20 plastered splints and 10 fixed bandages, strapping or Blount. Sequelae-free consolidation was the rule in all patients. Conclusion: The child's own fractures most often occur at school age. They are dominated by playful accidents and involve the distal third of long bones. Orthopedic treatment gives very good results.