[Clinical assessment of pediatric patients with Waddel's triad].

INTRODUCTION

Waddell's triad represents an emergency for pediatric patients due to the high incidence of injuries associated with the femur fracture.

OBJECTIVE

To clinically assess, upon presentation, the femur fracture associated with the head trauma, chest and/or abdominal trauma in the pediatric patients and its course during the hospital stay.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Prospective, observational study analyzing the cases that had clinical, imaging and picture records to assess the presence of associated injuries as well as their course during the hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were included; 13 boys and 8 girls, ages 3-14 years; weight upon admission was 12-30 kg, the Pediatric Trauma Score range was 1-9 points; 9.6% sustained open fractures; 15 cases had femoral fracture associated with musculoskeletal injuries; the most frequent finding related with head trauma was brain edema. Sixty-two percent of those with thoracic or abdominal trauma warranted a surgical procedure; 18 patients required mechanical ventilation; several methods were used to treat the femur fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

The polytraumatized patients need multidisciplinary care. There is a high percentage of musculoskeletal and non-orthopedic associated injuries in Waddell's triad. The Pediatric Trauma Score is a good indicator of the severity of the patient's condition.