Is Hip Spica an Obsolete Method for Paediatric Femur Fractures ? - A Retrospective Analysis of 58 Patients

BackgroundDiaphyseal femur fracture in paediatric age group are common in orthopaedics with treatment options varying from conservative methods such as hip spica to operative measures such as nailing/plating. We analyzed results of patients treated conservatively in a hip spica cast. Material and Methods58 patients, upto 5 years of age, with shaft femur fracture managed by hip spica cast were retrospectively analysed in terms of healing clinically and radiologically and complications noted, if any. ResultsFracture healed satisfactorily in all patients. Mean age of patients affected was 3.8 years. Males were more affected and road side accident was most common etiology. Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. Most common complication was skin breakage (27.58%) followed by cast soiling or breakage (13.79%) while shortening was seen in 3 patients (5.1%) and angulation in 2 patients (3.44%). ConclusionDespite newer and safer implants, hip spica remains safe and cost effective method for treatment of femur fracture in children.