Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients aged 3-11 years with femoral shaft fractures selected for treatment with early spica cast immobilization. Shortening >20 mm was the most common complication, occurring in 22 (43%) of the 51 patients. Factors associated with unacceptable shortening were shortening at the time of spica cast application >10 mm, shortening >20 mm at initial examination, and increasing age. Achieving <1 cm shortening at the time of cast application and close follow-up during the first 2 weeks after cast application are advised in order to achieve an acceptable final outcome.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 712-716 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1991 |
Keywords
- Early spica cast
- Femoral shaft fractures
- Shortening
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine