Joint fractures of the proximal end of the femur during childhood.

A total of 18 joint fractures of the proximal end of the femur in patients aged under 16 years (all treated non-surgically) are reported. Complete clinical-radiographic documentation was available for all 16 of them, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Results were evaluated based on the Ratliff criteria. The incidence of complications (in particular, avascular necrosis) was related to the type of fracture (Delbet classification) and to the degree of shifting of the segments (Boitzy).