1. Leg-length discrepancy and associated risk factors after paediatric femur shaft fracture: A multicentre study
- Author
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Dae Yeung Kim, Moon Seok Park, Sang Hyeong Lee, Byeong Eun Im, Taegyun Kim, Kug Jin Choi, and Ki Hyuk Sung
- Subjects
Orthodontics ,030222 orthopedics ,paediatric ,Femur shaft fracture ,business.industry ,leg-length discrepancy ,femur shaft fracture ,Leg length ,FEMUR SHAFT ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Original Clinical Article ,Medicine ,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,business ,overgrowth - Abstract
Purpose This study was performed to investigate leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and associated risk factors after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Methods A total of 72 consecutive patients under 13 years old (mean age 6.7 years; 48 boys, 24 girls) with unilateral femur shaft fracture, and a minimum follow-up of 18 months, were included. The amount of LLD was calculated by subtracting the length of the uninjured from that of the injured limb. Risk factors for an LLD ≥ 1 cm and ≥ 2 cm were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Hip spica casting, titanium elastic nailing and plating were performed on 22, 40 and ten patients, respectively. The mean LLD was 7.8 mm (sd 8.8) and 29 (40.3%) had a LLD of ≥ 1 cm, while nine (12.5%) had a LLD of ≥ 2 cm. There were significant differences in fracture stability (p = 0.005) and treatment methods (p = 0.011) between patients with LLD < 1 cm and ≥ 1 cm. There were significant differences in fracture site shortening (p < 0.001) and LLD (p < 0.001) between patients with length-stable and length-unstable fractures. Fracture stability was the only factor associated with LLD ≥ 1 cm (odds ratio of 4.0; p = 0.020) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion This study demonstrated that fracture stability was significantly associated with LLD after paediatric femur shaft fractures. Therefore, the surgeon should consider the possibility of LLD after length-stable femur shaft fracture in children. Level of Evidence Prognostic level III
- Published
- 2021