Fracture of the femur in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient.

This report summarizes the management of 20 femur fractures seen in 16 Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. The most common cause of fracture was falling. In the ambulatory patient, reduction of the fracture was followed by casting so that ambulation could be maintained. This was the preferred treatment and was carried out in six of seven patients. Nine nonambulatory patients presented with 11 femoral fractures. Gross displacement was seldom seen. Short-term immobilization generally gave satisfactory pain relief. Prevention of further function loss during fracture treatment present a challenge to the physician caring for this group of severely disabled children.