Displaced Femoral Neck Stress Fracture in a 7-year-old Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Stress fracture of the femoral neck is rare in children. Its differential diagnosis includes muscle strain, synovitis, infection, dysplasia, etc. Since physicians rarely see this type of fracture in children, they often overlook it or misdiagnose it. 

Case Report: A seven-year-old girl presented to our service with right groin pain following a fall on her right hip 15 days ago. Pelvic and knee radiographs of her right limb showed a fracture line with sclerosis at the femoral neck. Magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of a stress fracture of the femoral neck. We opted for conservative management and gave the patient analgesics and limited weight-bearing with the help of crutches for eight weeks. Three weeks after her first visit, the patient presented with severe limping and inability to bear weight on her right leg. Right hip radiographic imaging showed a varus displaced fracture of the femoral neck, which we managed surgically with an open reduction and internal fixation using plate and screws, followed by immobilization of the right hip with a hip spica cast. Six weeks following the surgery, the patient had no complaints, and the radiographic images showed an appropriate reduction and signs of union. The patient was allowed to start partial weight-bearing for a further six weeks before proceeding to full weight-bearing.

Conclusion: Our case emphasizes the importance of considering femoral neck stress fracture in children, through a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging analysis, especially for those carrying classical risk factors. Failure to do so can complicate the disease course and may lead to a displaced fracture requiring more invasive and timely management.