Compensatory overgrowth following fracture of the shaft of femur in children has been reported by some authors but the practical implications of various scientific and statistical studies are still not apparent to the average clinician. The purpose in making this study was to establish principles which would aid in predicting overgrowth. At the Kyungpook National University Hospital, we have made a study of the end result in 36 cases of the femoral shaft fractures in children under 15 years of age. These cases have been followed from 6 months to 4 years and 4 months. We have analysed three principal factors which influenced growth acceleration following fracture. 1. Location of the fracture:Fracture occurred most commonly in the middle third of the femur shaft. Overgrowth was greatest in proximal one third fractures. Average overgrowth was 1.2cm in length. 2. Types of fracture: Growth acceleration was greatest in oblique fractures followep by comminuted. spiral and transverse. Average overgrowth in oblique fractures was 1.0 cm in length, 3. Age of patients: Among the children 4 to 9 years of age, significant overgrowth (average 1.2cm) was seen, It is suggested that 0.5 to 1.0cm overriding of the femoral shaft fractures in children be provided. From these observation. it would appear that growth acceleration is related to the amount of osseous and soft tissue disruption.
Acceleration ; Child ; Femur ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Statistics as Topic