Key result
Internal fixation linked to ~50% more mostly minor complications in skeletally immature versus mature pediatric patients.
Why the study?
The indications, outcomes, and complication rates of internal fixation in pediatric fractures were not well characterized in children and adolescents.
Does internal fixation prevent major complications and restore normal extremity growth and function in selected pediatric and adolescent fracture patients?
Population
4,411 consecutive pediatric fracture patients managed between 1979 and 1983
Comparison
Skeletally immature children and young adolescents vs skeletally mature adolescents undergoing internal fixation
Design
Retrospective cohort analysis
Authors
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May support selective internal fixation in pediatric fractures despite mostly minor complications; leaves open need for randomized confirmation of growth benefits.
Cohort (n=4,411)
Does internal fixation prevent major complications and restore normal extremity growth and function in selected pediatric and adolescent fracture patients?
Absolute Event Rate: 18% vs 12%
Internal fixation is rarely required in pediatric fractures (3.6%) but is beneficial in selected cases to prevent major complications, despite a notable rate of mostly minor complications.
THOMPSON et al. (1984) conducted a cohort in Pediatric fractures (n=4,411). Internal fixation in skeletally immature children vs. Internal fixation in skeletally mature adolescents was evaluated on Complication rates. Internal fixation for pediatric fractures was associated with complication rates of 18% in skeletally immature children and 12% in skeletally mature adolescents, most of which were minor.
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