How successful is synthetic graft treatment for children with pathological hip fractures?

PURPOSE: To determine whether synthetic grafts are a satisfactory treatment option for pathological proximal femoral fractures in children.

METHODS

Paediatric patients treated for pathological fractures of the proximal femur between 2013 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. 17 patients with a mean age of 10.7 years (range 6-16 years) were assessed. The definitive histopathological diagnoses were SBC (simple bone cyst) (12) and ABC (aneurysmal bone cyst) (5). The median duration of follow-up was 37 months (range 12-70 months).

RESULTS

All patients returned to their normal daily routine within 3-8 months following surgery. The mean post-op recovery time was 3.2 months (range 3-6 months). Graft was incorporated at approximately 12 months. No significant radiographic healing was observed in 2 patients. In the remaining 15 patients, the mean duration of healing was 14 months (range 8-24 months).

CONCLUSION

Synthetic grafts are a satisfactory treatment option for pathological proximal femoral fractures in children.