J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1994 Apr;29(2):423-430. 10.4055/jkoa.1994.29.2.423.

Birth Fracture of Femur

• Kang HJ
• Park HW
• Jahng JS
• Yoo JD

• KMID: 2423753
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1994.29.2.423

Abstract

Bone injuries of the extremities can be found in 0.2-2% of all living newborns. The most common location of the fracture was clavicle, and followed by humerus, femur in orders. Fractures of the femur are relatively rare. Authors have analyzed 9 cases of the femoral shaft fractures in the newborns, treated at Severence Hospital from January 1985 to March 1992. Seven cases were born by Cesarean section, two cases were by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. Vertex presentation were three cases, breech presentation were five cases, and transverse presentation was one case. The mean birth weight was 2.93kg and four cases were born in prematurity. The location of fracture were seven cases in proximal shaft, one case in mid shaft, and one case in distal shaft. The type of fracture were all spiral fracture except two fractures. Five cases were treated by splint and 4 cases were treated by traction method. No further immobilization was needed for 8 cases but two weeks long leg cast after splint was applied for one case. Two cases of complication were noted. Skin necrosis developed due to the traction to the popliteal fossa and minimal anterior angulation of femora, and no functional deficit were found, but bony protrusion of proximal femora were palpated.

Keyword

Fracture; Femur; Newborns

MeSH Terms

Birth Weight
Breech Presentation
Cesarean Section
Clavicle
Extremities
Female
Femur*
Humans
Humerus
Immobilization
Infant, Newborn
Leg
Methods
Necrosis
Parturition*
Pregnancy
Skin
Splints
Traction