Epiphyseal fractures in children treated for osteosarcoma of the femur with chemotherapy, tumourresection, and endoprosthesis: report of four fractures in two children.

This paper reports on two patients, who both were under treatment for osteosarcoma of the femur. Treatment consisted of chemotherapy, resection of the tumour, and reconstruction with an endoprosthesis . Both patients sustained an epiphyseal fracture on two occasions after a minor trauma. Careful observations of the x-rays, including tomography, reveals that a metaphyseal anomaly could be the cause of these fractures. It is suggested that these metaphyseal changes are caused by chemotherapeutic agents. All fractures healed well after a conservative treatment.