Clinical Findings in 2 Techniques of Spica Casting in Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Children

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Resident, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 General Practitioner, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background: Femoral shaft fracture is the most prevalent major orthopedic injury in children. Usually, we use two methods for spica casting for femoral shaft fractures. This survey aimed two compare them.Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on the 35 2- to 6-years-old patients with isolated and non-complicate femoral shaft fracture referred to Shahid Bahonar hospital, Kerman, Iran. All the patients were followed for 6 months. 17 patients were treated with type 1 method (90/90 casting) and 18 ones underwent type 2 method (45/45 casting). Patient was examined in regard of limb length, angular deformity, muscle power, neurovascular lesion, compartment syndrome, and dermal injury. After opening the cast, a researcher-made questionnaire about the child's activities was completed by parents.Findings: In all the patients in both groups, after maximum of 8 weeks, union was completed. The average difficulty in moving around independently was 5.77 ± 2.41 and 8.05 ± 1.43 in 45/45 and 90/90 groups, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.002). The average difficulty rate of leaving family residence or was 5.77 ± 2.94 and 8.00 ± 1.76 in 45/45 and 90/90 groups, respectively, which was statistically different (P = 0.011).Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that the child is more comfortable with 45/45 spica cast.

Keywords


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