[Do paediatric and adult surgeons follow different approaches to physeal fractures?].

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of paediatric fractures is the concern of several different surgical specialties. There has been no scientific investigation on the different concepts of paediatric (PS) and adult surgeons (AS).

METHODS

62 paediatric traumatologists were asked concerning their experience with physeal fractures of the leg, including ten cases.

RESULTS

Growth disturbances was estimated to be more rare by PS. On evaluation of the examples there were no significant differences in the judgement of degree and direction of the displacement. For displaced fractures, PS rather preferred closed reduction and immobilisation, whereas AS favoured osteosynthesis.

DISCUSSION: There were no basic differences between PS and AS in the treatment of lower limb fractures. AS tend to act more invasively. At the same time they are more concerned about growth disturbances.