Femur Fractures in Infants

Abstract

The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital trauma unit manages approximately 10 000 children under the age of 12 years annually. Approximately 500 (5%) have non-accidental causes which can further be divided into Sexual Abuse (approximately 150; 1.5%) and Physical Abuse cases (approximately 350; 3.5%). We recently admitted 5 infants under 1 year, all with femur fractures within one week. Practitioners should be alert for the possibility of NAI and abuse in infants presenting with any type of femur fracture, and to investigate, manage and refer appropriately to ensure optimal patient care and outcome.