Bilateral femoral neck fractures associated with complex pelvic ring injuries in a pediatric patient: a case report. Issue 4 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scott, Brandon; Taylor, Brandon; Shung, Joseph R.; Nimityongskul, Prasit
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Volume 26:Issue 4(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: avascular necrosis -- bilateral -- femoral neck -- fracture -- infection -- pediatric -- pelvis -- trauma; Pediatric orthopedics -- Periodicals; 618.927005
• DOI: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1060-152X

Abstract

Abstract : Femoral neck and pelvic fractures are rarely encountered in the pediatric population secondary to the resilient nature of the immature skeleton. Both fracture types usually result from high-energy blunt trauma including motor vehicle collisions, motor vehicle-pedestrian accidents, and falls from height. Considerable studies have been published on the natural history, management, and complications of pediatric pelvis and femoral neck fractures. However, few case reports have documented both fracture types in the same patient. Management of concomitant injuries presents unique challenges both for operative stabilization and for clinical postoperative care. After appropriate consent was obtained, a thorough review was performed of the patient's hospital records and imaging history. The senior author of the report also provided insight into the management of the patient's initial injuries and subsequent complications. Our case involves a 4-year-old female who was overrun by an all-terrain vehicle. Her orthopedic injuries included a nondisplaced Delbet type 3 fracture of the right femoral neck, a completely displaced Delbet type 3 fracture of the left femoral neck, bilateral sacroiliac fracture-dislocations, severe comminution of her left pubic rami, and a free-floating right pubic rami segment spanning from the triradiate cartilage to the pubic symphysis with severe rotational deformity. Her postoperative recovery was complicated by refracture of her left femoral neck (Delbet type 1), left hip osteomyelitis, and left femoral head avascular necrosis. The salient features of her operative management, subsequent complications, and functional recovery are described in this report. Cases of bilateral femoral neck fractures and multiple pelvic fractures in pediatric patients are sparsely documented in the literature because of their infrequent occurrence. Pediatric pelvic fractures typically do well with conservative treatment secondary to the incredible remodeling ability of the immature pelvis. Femoral neck fractures, in contrast, are highly associated with complications including coxa vara, nonunion, infection, physeal closure, and avascular necrosis. This case report documents two rare fracture types in the same patient and describes the challenges encountered throughout the duration of her recovery. Level of Evidence: Level V, Case report.