Non-traumatic fracture of the femur in a infant with recurrent epileptic seizures - Case report

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare non traumatic fracture of femur after a partial secondarily generalized tonic seizure in a infant. Description - A 7-month-old female patient was referred to the Pediatric Hospital with two complaints: 1) frequent epileptic seizures since the age of 3 months and 2) intermittent crying when the left leg is moved or manipulated after last seizures. Computerized tomography of the hipbone revealed left spontaneous transepiphyseal fracture of the femur (Delbet type 1). Clinical, metabolic and radiological investigation did not reveal osteopenia or rickets. A family study ruled out battered-child syndrome. Conclusion: Given the non-traumatic nature of the fracture, a rare comorbidity in epileptic children mainly in infant, the authors describe the case calling attention to a complication that may be overlooked.