OBJECTIVETo explore curative effects of external fixation combined with single hip plaster in treating children with femoral subtrochanteric fracture.

METHODSForm March 2009 to July 2016, 15 children with femoral subtrochanteric fracture were treated with external fixation combined with single hip plaster, including 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 8.5 years old ranging from 5 to 14 years old. According to fracture classification of Seinsheimer, 3 cases were type IIA, 4 cases were type IIB, 3 cases were type IIC, 2 cases were type IIIA, 1 case was type IIIB, 1 case was type IV, 1 case was type V. Complications and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative function of hips were evaluated according to Sanders criteria.

RESULTSAll children were followed up from 16 to 48 months with an average of 32 months. No early closure of epiphysis, bone nonunion and breakage of screw occurred. According to the Sanders score standard of hip function, the result was excellent in 14 cases, good in 1 case. There were no hip inversion, limb shortening, excessive growth and other malformations.

CONCLUSIONSExternal fixation combined with single hip plaster for the treatment of children is a safe and effective fixation, which provide a new choice of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.