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. 2023 Apr-Jun;20(2):120-123.
doi: 10.4103/ajps.ajps_91_21.

Simultaneous bilateral femoral fracture in children

Somkieta Francis Modeste Ouédraogo  1 , Malick Diallo  2 , W Toussaint Tapsoba  1 , Koundja Thiombiano  1 , Isso Ouedraogo  1 , Albert Wandaogo  1
Affiliations

Simultaneous bilateral femoral fracture in children

Somkieta Francis Modeste Ouédraogo et al. Afr J Paediatr Surg. 2023 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral femoral fractures in children (BFFC) are an uncommon condition. Only a few cases were reported in the literature. The frequency and outcome in low-setting facilities are unknown. This study aims to describe our experience in managing BFFC.

Patients and methods: A 10-year ongoing study spanning from 2010 to 2020 was held in a level-1 paediatric facility. We included all cases of BFFC on a bone-free disease with at least 10 months of follow-up time. Data were collected and analysed with statistical software.

Results: A total of eight patients with ten BFFC were collected. It involved mainly boys (n = 7/8) with median age of 8 years. Mechanism of injury were a road traffic accident (n = 4), a fall from height (n = 3), and been crushed by a falling wall (n = 1). Associated injuries were frequent (n = 6/8). Patients were managed nonoperatively with spica cast (n = 5) and by elastic intramedullary nails (n = 3). After 6.11 years of mean follow-up time, all fractures healed. The outcome was excellent and good in 7 cases. One patient sustained knees stiffness.

Conclusion: Non-operative management of BFFC showed satisfactory outcomes. Early surgical care must be developed in our low-income settings to reduce in-hospital stay and encourage early weight-bearing.

Keywords: Bilateral femoral fracture; children; elastic intramedullary nail; high-energy trauma; low-income setting; spica cast.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Femur AP: (a) and lateral; (b) radiographs views showing a simultaneous bilateral femoral diaphysis fracture
Figure 2
Figure 2
Immediate post-operative femurs AP radiographs showing bilateral diaphyseal femurs fractures reduction and internal fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nails. ESIN: elastic stable intramedullary nails
Figure 3
Figure 3
Femurs AP radiographs of bilateral diaphyseal femurs fractures. Immediate post-traumatic: (a), after bilateral casting; (b) and late (20 months) radiographs; (c)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Photographs of functional outcome of bilateral diaphyseal femurs fractures managed by open reduction and ESIN demonstrating knee stiffness. ESIN: Elastic stable intramedullary nails
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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