Case reports Neglected Distal Femur Physeal Separation in a 12 Year Old Child

Abstract

This is a rare case report of a neglected distal femur physeal separation in a 12-year-old child. Patient had sustained trauma to the right knee 2 months before presenting to the orthopaedic department. Patient was initially managed by a bonesetter who had done manipulation and massage of the fractured segment. This resulted in the epiphysis of the distal femur to migrate anteriorly over the shaft. This in turn, caused the distal femoral shaft to rotate postero-laterally and place the sharp distal femoral fragment directly below the popliteal vessels. Open reduction and internal fixation of fracture was done and patient was able to get back to his activities of daily living in a span of 12 weeks. In developing countries, factors like poverty, quacks, bonesetters, negligence and misinformation on part of the patient increases the frequency of neglected trauma in the lower socio-economic strata.