Adult proximal humerus locking plate for fixation of paediatric subtrochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: The current study was done to evaluate the outcome of paediatric subtrochanteric fractures managed by adult proximal humerus locking plate (PHLP).

METHODS

This prospective study included eight children (three females and five males) with femoral subtrochanteric fractures who met the inclusion criteria and underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture with ipsilateral long adult PHLP. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 13 years (range 10-16 years), and the mean follow-up was 32 months (range 18-48 months). Outcome at final follow-up was assessed using the Harris hip score.

RESULTS

At the time of final follow-up, all fractures united at an average of 8.75 weeks (range 6-14 weeks). The average final Harris hip score was 80.25 (range 67-90). The only complain was prominent hardware in the proximal thigh, near the trochanteric ridge, which was present in two of our patients, and one of them opted for implant removal at 10 months.

CONCLUSION

Internal fixation of paediatric subtrochanteric fractures using the proximal humeral locking plate of the ipsilateral side appears to be a good treatment option for the age group of 10-16 years, though comparative studies with a larger sample size are required to further support this observation.