[Fractures of the neck of femur in young children (author's transl)].

The problems of femoral neck fractures in young children are discussed. Results of 12 own cases are reviewed with an average age of the patients of 7.5 years at the time of accident. The average time between accident and last examination was 12 years. The operative technique, pre- and postoperative care, indications for conservative treatment and late complications are discussed. All types of fractures should be treated operatively. K-wire fixation is sufficient in most cases and does not damage the epiphyseal plate. Immobilization in POP spika is advisable for 6 weeks. With delayed operative treatment of intracapsulare fractures the intraarticular haematoma should be aspirated. Traumatic epiphyseolysis should be reduced by manipulation or operatively and stabilized by K-wires. The treatment of pseudarthrosis is by internal fixation and bone grafting. Late valgus and especially varus deformations should be corrected by intertrochanteric osteotomy.