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.

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Background: Compartment syndrome is a well-known entity, but it is rare in the pediatric population, and its diagnosis is quite challenging. We report a case of an acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the hand, developed after a crushing trauma, in a 14-month-old boy. Case Report: A 14-month-old boy presented to the Emergency Department following a crushing trauma to his right hand. The patient had a progressive swelling of the right hand and agitation. On physical examination, the right hand was tense, swollen, with areas of skin necrosis and blisters, along with increased agitation upon palpation. Laboratory tests revealed elevated white blood cells, creatinine kinase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Radiographic imaging showed deviated diaphyseal fractures in the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals. A diagnosis of ACS of the hand was made. After draining the blisters, multiple fasciotomies were carried out to all 11 compartments of the hand. The metacarpal fractures were managed conservatively with a wrist splint for one month. A clinical and radiological follow-up after 7 months showed a complete functional recovery of the right hand and consolidation of the 2nd, 4th, and 5th metacarpal fractures, while the 3rd metacarpal fracture showed pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion: Compartment syndrome of the hand in children is a rare condition, and its clinical picture may differ from that in adults, leading to a misdiagnosis or late diagnosis in many cases. Our case emphasizes the importance of a careful clinical evaluation in children post-trauma to diagnose such a condition.

Background: Traumatic hip dislocation (THD) is a rare pathology in the pediatric population. The severity of the trauma, mismanagement, or late treatment of such pathology can lead to complications, including avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. We hereby report a case of recurrent traumatic posterior hip dislocation that eventually lead to AVN of the femoral head in a 10-year-old girl. Case presentation: A 10-year-old girl presented to the Emergency Department complaining of left hip pain one day following a fall from a standing position. On physical examination, the left hip was held in the position of flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, with complete loss of range of motion of the left hip joint. Radiographic imaging was done and showed: a posterior dislocation of the left hip, enlargement of the growth cartilage of the left femoral epiphysis, and hypertransparency of the anterosuperior corner of the left femoral neck, and increased bone density of the upper left femoral epiphysis, suggesting previous hip dislocations. Open reduction with arthrotomy and posterior capsulorrhaphy was performed 36 hours post-injury, followed by hip immobilization by a spica cast. Two months after surgery, the cast was removed. On examination, the left hip was stable with good mobility, and weight-bearing was authorized. Follow-up was done three months post-injury. The patient had no complaints, but radiographic images showed signs of avascular necrosis (AVN) on the left femoral head.  Conclusion: Our case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management of a THD in pediatrics, to prevent serious complications such as AVN.

Background:  The complexity of implant removal is a well-known problem in the field of orthopedics. It is encountered mainly during the removal of plates and screws and understood by the phenomenon of seizing or cold-welding, formerly known in mechanics. In this case study, we describe a complex experience during a gamma nail removal in a 21-year-old male patient, explained by the same phenomenon of seizing or cold-welding. The case is rather unusual and rare, with no similar reports in the literature, and required a special technique of extraction. Case Report: A 21-year-old male presented to our clinic with a 5-months history of right groin pain radiating to the anterior thigh. The patient was a victim of a car accident three years ago that resulted in right femoral neck and shaft fractures, which were managed by open reduction and internal fixation by a long gamma nail with distal locking. After proper examination, the team decided to remove the implant. There was difficulty loosening the cephalic screw as it was welded to the nail. For this reason, we opted for a technique that involved making a transverse slit at the level of the anterior part of the nail which is in contact with the cephalic screw. It was followed by a hammer blow at the level of the cephalic screw, allowing it to loosen and thus allowing the screws along the femoral nail to be removed successfully. Conclusion: Our report describes a rare case of a cephalic screw cold-welded/seized into the intramedullary nail, which can be an unexpected and serious complication during intramedullary nail removal. However, our technique described in this case can be an effective way to treat such a complication.