Clinical Observation on the Alignment after Fractures of the Lower Extremity in Children

Abstract

The effect of various displacement, especially angle deformity, persisting after lower leg fracture at the growth plates was studied. Of total cases of lower leg long bone fracture under the age of 15 years significant displacement was seen in 85 cases at the time of follow up. Changes in the amount of epiphyseal growth plates of hip, knee and foot area as a response to these unphysiological change were investigated by means of anterior roentgenogram. Measurements were made with reference to the method described by Shiraishi and wada et al : namely, angles of H, F, T and A were determined, and compared with the chadges occurring in the healthy side. With respect to H. F and T angles, an increasing tendency was noted in proportion to the degree of angle deformity. No change was seen in A angle. Although theoretically the persistence of angle deformity must increase the displacement from knee center on the Mickliz line, we could not see apronounced displacement. Stress of growth plates in great since affected children tend to walk normally in the early phase of recovery. This reaction appears more evident for the latter, with a tendenc of adaptation of Mickliz line. Moreover, it is assumed that normal walking in the extremely early phase will cause a delay in the correction of local angle deformity.