J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2011 Aug;46(4):345-349. 10.4055/jkoa.2011.46.4.345.

Physeal Growth Arrest Caused by Thromboembolism of the Right Femoral Artery in a Premature Infant

• Kim H
• Kang JW
• Park HJ
• Lee JW
• Choi W

• KMID: 2185434
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2011.46.4.345

Abstract

The known causes of premature physeal growth arrest are trauma, infection, tumor, antibiotics, radiation and vascular insult. We report here on a premature, very low birth-weight infant who was complicated with premature physeal arrest of the proximal and distal tibial physis after severe limb ischemia due to thromboembolism of the right femoral artery. This case suggests that a severe ischemic state of the lower extremity might cause premature physeal arrest in premature infants.

Keyword

tibia; physeal arrest; thromboembolism; very low birth-weight infant

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Extremities
Femoral Artery
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Ischemia
Lower Extremity
Thromboembolism
Tibia
Anti-Bacterial Agents

Figure

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  Figure 1 Clinical manifestations due to throboembolism at eight-weeks of age. (A) Colors of the right lower extremity changed to dark purple and black. (B) Femoral artery was obstructed with thromboembolism on Doppler examination.

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  Figure 2 (A) Right lower extremity was swollen due to compartment syndrome. (B, C) Fasciotomy was done with local anesthesia.

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  Figure 3 (A, B) Necrotic area was well demarcated after fasciotomy. (C) Split-thickness skin graft was done over the granulation tissue of open amputee stump.

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  Figure 4 (A, B) Right limb was shorter than left due to the premature physeal arrest of proximal and distal physes of right tibia.

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