Growth changes of the femur and tibia after fractures in children

Introduction. In contrast to adults, the reparative process in children with fractures has one essential feature: the consolidation of bones tissue runs parallel to further growth and bone formation. The aim of the study. To determine the frequency of growth changes of different segments of the lower extremities in children, to determine the association of these types of fractures with age and/or method of treatment; to clarify the indications for orthopedic correction or surgical treatment of these deformities in long-term perspective. Material and methods. Between 2001 and 2014, 306 children with multiple fractures of the lower limbs were treated in the Regional Clinical Emergency Hospital, Barnaul. Fifty six with femoral and tibial fractures of 306 children were re-evaluated in 3-10 years for the long-term results of treatment. Results and discussion. In the long-term follow-up period, the measuring of the contralateral lower limb segments (tibia and femur) showed that 27 (44.3%) children had marked differences in their length. Three of them had shortening of limb segment and 24 children had lengthening shortening of limb segment. Changes in the growth rate were observed in fractures of the femur in 22 cases and in fractures of the tibia in 5 cases. Conclusion. The frequency of limb segment elongation after surgical and conservative treatment was approximately the same