Should Nonunion Femoral Neck Fractures in Children be Treated with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Under Navigation Guidance?

Abstract

Purpose: To present the accuracy and safety of treat nonunion of children femoral neck fracture using the technique with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) under navigation guidance. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3 consecutive children patients. A total of 3 nonunion of femoral neck fracture in 3 patients had been used the technique with extracorporeal shockwave therapy under navigation guidance. We also assessed the clinical and radiological outcomes and analyzed the union degree of femoral neck fracture on the postoperative X ray. Results: Radiological and clinical outcomes of three patients are satisfactory and achieve the recovery standard. There was no neurovascular (femoral nerve, femoral vein, femoral artery) complication related with ESWT under navigation guidance. Conclusion: This technique (extracorporeal shockwave therapy under navigation guidance) could be considered relatively safe and easy method to treat nonunion of femoral neck fracture of children. Keywords: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, Navigation guidance, Nonunion, Femoral neck fracture