Paediatric Fractures of the Femur, Knee, Tibia and Fibula

Abstract

Lower limb fractures in children require a modified approach to treatment when compared to the techniques utilized in the adult population. Certain fracture patterns and complications of specific injuries are seen in children. The growing skeleton limits the application of certain principles of fracture management, but at the same time permits management methods which are not routinely used in the skeletally mature to give excellent functional outcomes. Despite these differences, advances in the methods of internal fixation have changed significantly over the last decade to give a more uniform method of treatment in children. Controversies still exist, particularly in the treatment of the adolescent population. This chapter will sequentially discuss the methods, indications and complications of treatment of fractures of the femoral shaft, tibia and fibula and fractures around the knee to aid the reader in applying evidence-based protocols to injury management.