TITLE:
Evaluation of Surgical Treatment for Recent Epiphyseal Avulsion Fractures of the Distal Femur at Centre Hospitalier National Matlaboul Fawzaini (CHNMFT): A Study of 30 Cases
AUTHORS:
Mohamed Hachim, Malick Diop, Faty Balla Lo, Ibrahima Sory Camara, Mayoro Sow, Bokar Sylla, Ousmane Ba, Mohamed Daffe
KEYWORDS:
Epiphyseal Avulsion Fractures, Distal Femur, Growth Plate, “X”-Shaped Pinning, Stiffness, Evaluation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Epiphyseal avulsion fractures of the distal femur account for 30% of epiphyseal fractures noticed in children. Surgical treatment remains the gold standard for these fractures. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, and evaluative study of 30 cases, conducted from January 2022 to December 31, 2024, at Centre Hospitalier National Matlaboul Fawzaini (CHNMFT) in Touba. Results: The average age of the patients was 15 years, with a clear predominance of males. Traffic accidents were the most common cause in 56% of cases. According to the SALTER and HARIS classification, Type II fractures were the most common in 97% of cases. “X”-shaped pinning combined with a cruro-pedious cast (PCP) was the most frequent treatment in 57% of cases. Over an average follow-up period of 29.6 months, ranging from 6 to 48 months, we evaluated our patients according to the lower extremity assessment criteria of the Société d’Orthopédie-Traumatologie de l’Est (SOTEST); our results were satisfactory in 90% of cases. Conclusion: Epiphyseal avulsion fractures of the distal femur are becoming increasingly common. Their management remains an absolute emergency. Treatment may be orthopedic or surgical. The most common complications observed are lower limb length discrepancy, angular deviation, and knee stiffness.