Remodeling capacity of femur diaphysis fracture with non-surgical treatment in preschool children

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the healing - remodeling capacities of femoral diaphysis fractures treated with non-surgical methods in preschool children. Material and Methods: Thirty-six patients aged between 0-6 years with closed femoral diaphysis fractures who were treated with non-surgical methods were evaluated. Two-way graphics of the patients were taken after plastering. Limb lengths were recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their follow-up periods: 0-60 months (group A) and over 60 months (group B). The two-sided bilateral femoral graphics taken during their final examinations were used as the basis for radiographic evaluation. Results: The mean age of the patients was 4.2±1.94 years. The mean amount of shortness of the patients measured when the plaster was removed was 1.61±0.84 cm and it was measured at a mean of 0.8±0.74 cm at the last follow-up. Angulation on the coronal and sagittal planes after treatment was significant (p<0.01). The decrease in shortness is statistically significant (p<0.01). Angulation improvement on the coronal plane in patients in group B was statistically significantly higher than in group A (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B when the amounts of angular improvement on the sagittal plane were compared (p>0.05). Discussion: In our study we found that coronal plane deformities independent of the direction of joint movement continue remodeling at a statistically significant rate even after 5 years.