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Case Reports
. 2014 Jan-Mar;4(1):18-20.
doi: 10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.141.

Fracture of the Femur of A Newborn after Cesarean Section for Breech Presentation and Fibroid Uterus : A Case Report and Literature Review

Ibrahima Farikou  1 , Ngo Nonga Bernadette  1 , Handy Eone Daniel  1 , Sosso Maurice Aurélien  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Fracture of the Femur of A Newborn after Cesarean Section for Breech Presentation and Fibroid Uterus : A Case Report and Literature Review

Ibrahima Farikou et al. J Orthop Case Rep. 2014 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of cesarean section is known to decrease the occurrence of long bone fractures. We present here an unusual diaphyseal fracture of the femur of a newborn after cesarean section, the only case observed in our 14 years of practice.

Case report: The patient was a 3.4-kg female child born at 38 weeks of gestation. The mother was a primipara and aged 39 years. Ultrasound examination at 20th week revealed intrauterine fibroids with a breech presentation. Therefore, elective cesarean section was indicated. There was no apparent bone disorder that could predispose to sustain femur fracture. The fracture was treated successfully with a bilateral spica cast. The cesarean section was indicated in an aged primipara, bearer of uterine fibroids, and breech presentation. She had a good general health status, but her bone density was unknown since this examination is not routinely performed in our clinical settings in Africa.

Conclusion: Elderly age, primipara status, presence of uterine fibroids, and breech presentation are usual indications for cesarean section. However, there are not many reports on femur fracture after cesarean section. Our present case suggests that despite the latest advances in delivery techniques, cesarean section for breech presentation predisposes the neonate to femoral fractures.

Keywords: Africa; Breech presentation; Cesarean section; Femur fracture; Fibroid.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fracture of the left femur diaphysis (white arrow) in a newborn after cesarean. The limb was immobilized in a makeshift bandage (rings).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Radiograph showing the appearance of the callus at day 60 (white arrow).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Last radiological aspect of the femur after 9 months.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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