Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures in Children

Fractures of the femoral neck in children are rare. Various complictions such as avascular necrosis, non union, premature closure of the epiphysis and coxa vara deformity worsen hip joint function. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is the most important factor which influences the endresult.We retrospectively studied seven cases of femoral neck fractures in five boys and two girls. The mean age was 10.4 years (range, 5-15 years). The seven cases were classified according to the four types described by Delbet and popularised by Colonna, type II in 2 cases, type III in 3 cases, and type IV in 2 cases. All cases were treated by skeletal or skin traction. In the case of non-acceptable reduction, we desided to reduce it operatively. Results were good in four, fair in two, and poor in one by the Ratliff's assessment.