Bilateral femoral fracture in an infant following a road traffic accident

Author(s): F. Ibrahima, P. Fokam, M. Fogang, ML. Guifo

Abstract: Fractures of the long bones of newborn and infant usually occur particularly in the context of child abuse (or Silverman syndrome) or obstetrical traumas. Bilateral femur fracture at this age in the context of road traffic accident is extremely rare. We report a rare bilateral femoral fracture which occurred following a road traffic accident in an infant of 5 months old. In the first instance a unilateral diaphyseal fracture of the left femur was diagnosed and treated by a Spica cast in a peripheral hospital near the site of the accident. It was only after his transfer to a General (Reference) Hospital that the second diaphyseal fracture of the contralateral femur was diagnosed and then treatment was adjusted accordingly.