Outcomes of operative management in the delayed presenting neck of femur fractures in children: A case series

INTRODUCTION: Fracture neck of femur in pediatric age group occurs due to high energy trauma and is an uncommon entity with high complication rate. No uniform guidelines are present to manage these fractures, especially in delayed presentation of fracture neck of femur as a smaller number of such cases were reported. CASES: Eight children (nine hips), five boys and three girls of age <15 years, were operated on. The mean delay in surgery time was 8.6 days (range: 5–22 days). The mean union time was 13.44 weeks. The mean follow-up was 20.88 months (range: 12–36 months). All the cases were managed with closed or open reduction followed by internal fixation with or without hip spica application and resulted in satisfactory outcomes in most of the cases. CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction (open or closed) and fixation reduce the risk of complications even in delayed presentation if the orthopedic surgeon is familiar with the management.