Treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures in children aged 2–10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Stijn van Cruchten*, Eefke C. Warmerdam, Dagmar R.J. Kempink, Victor A. de Ridder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlePopular

9 Citations (Scopus)
66 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective: To review current literature on treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures in children of 2–10 years old, with subgroup analysis of children aged 2–6 years, comparing intramedullary nailing (IMN) to conservative treatment modalities. Methods: We included clinical trials and observational studies that compared traction and subsequent casting (TSC), spica casting and IMN for treatment of femur shaft fractures in children of 2–10 years of age. Subgroup analysis of children aged 2–6 years was performed. Results: Compared to treatment with immediate spica casting, IMN led to significantly less coronal angulation (mean difference (MD): 2.03 degrees, confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.90), less sagittal angulation (MD: 1.59 degrees, CI 0.82–2.35) and lower rates of LLD (Risk difference (RD): 0.07, CI 0.03–0.11). In terms of rehabilitation, IMN leaded to shorter time until walking with aids (MD: 31.53 days, CI 16.02–47.03), shorter time until independent ambulation (MD: 26.59 days, CI 22.07, 31.11) and shorter time until full weight bearing (MD: 27.05 days, CI 6.11, 47,99). Compared to TSC, IMN led to a lower rate of malunion (RD: 0.31, CI 0.05–0.56), shorter hospital stays (MD: 12.48 days, CI 11.57, 13.39), time until walking with aids (MD: 54.55, CI 40.05–69.04) and full weight bearing (MD: 27.05 days [6.11, 47,99]). Conclusion: Although a lack of quality evidence, this systematic review showed a clear tendency to treatment with elastic intramedullary nails of femoral shaft fractures in children of 2–10 years of age. Level of evidence: 3.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Treatment of closed femoral shaft fractures in children aged 2–10 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this