Composite bridge internal fixation for limb metaphyseal fractures in children

Objective To evaluate composite bridge internal fixation in the treatment of limb metaphyseal fractures in children. Methods From October 2015 to December 2018, 16 children was treated by composite bridge internal fixation for limb metaphyseal fractures at Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Changzhou. They were 11 boys and 5 girls, aged from 8 to 14 years (average, 11.0 years). Their fractures were located at proximal humerus in 4 cases, at distal femur in 3 cases, at proximal tibia in 3 cases and at distal tibia in 6 cases. According to the Salter-Harris classification, 6 cases were type Ⅱ, 5 cases type Ⅲ and 5 cases type Ⅳ. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 3 to 8 days, averaging 5.3 days. The fracture healing time, postoperative complications (infection and implant failure) and postoperative functional recovery were recorded. Results This cohort obtained follow-up from 12 to 18 months (average, 13 months). All the children obtained bony union after 2 to 5 months (average, 2.4 months). At the last follow-up, the 4 proximal humeral fractures were evaluated by the Neer scores, giving 4 excellent cases; the 6 distal femoral and proximal tibial fractures were evaluated by the knee function scores of The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), giving 5 excellent and one good cases; the 6 distal tibial fractures were evaluated by the Baird scores, giving 5 excellent and one good cases. Follow-ups found no complications like postoperative infection, loosening or breakage of implants, or bone nonunion. Conclusion Composite bridge internal fixation is a good alternative treatment for children metaphyseal fractures, because it has advantages of minimal invasion, operative simplicity, reliable fixation and limited postoperative complications. Key words: Extremities; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Internal fixators; Children