Practice Patterns for Management of Pediatric Femur Fractures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This study surveys surgeons from low (LIC), lower-middle (LMIC), and upper-middle income (UMIC) countries regarding treatment patterns for pediatric femur fractures. Methods: Surgeons completed an electronic survey reporting surgeon demographics and treatment preference for pediatric femur fractures. Treatment preferences and indications for treatment were separated into 4 groups: infant (0 to 6 mo); toddler (7 mo to 4 y); child (5 to 12 y); adolescent (12 to 17 y). The survey was available in English, Spanish, and French. Analysis was completed with t test and χ2 test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively, and weighted Pearson correlation (P10 pediatric femur fractures per year (68%). Respondents reported treating infant femur fractures nonoperatively using Pavlik harness (19%), spica cast (60%), or traction with delayed spica cast (14%). Decreasing socioeconomic status was associated with higher nonoperative treatment rate in toddlers, children, and adolescents. Respondents commonly utilize bed rest and traction for child femur fractures in LICs (63%) and LMICs (65%) compared with UMICs (35%) (UMIC vs. LMIC P
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Selected Items Source Type: research