Growth disturbances following fractures of the femur and tibia in children.

Growth disturbances can occur following fractures of the femur or tibia in children. They can produce lengthening, shortening, axial and rotational deformities. The number of variable factors involved is such that valid statistical analysis demands a very large series of well documented cases followed up until growth ceases or stabilisation is established. We hope to inaugurate such a survey in collaboration with other large centers. In the present limited survey of 174 the only statistically valid conclusions were that age and type of treatment are relevant factors in producing lengthening. In the other factors investigated the survey was not large enough to provide valid answers. It has been established that after metaphyseal or diaphyseal fractures in children disturbances of growth may occur resulting in accelerated growth, retarded growth, axial deformities and rotational deformities. The literature, although extensive, leaves many questions unanswered while on other matters, such as the role of certain factors in the pathogenesis of these disturbances, there is often conflicting data. In a brief review of the literature we decided to simplify our research by confining our observations to data relating only to single diaphyseal fractures.