The use of 'damage control orthopedics' techniques in children with segmental open femur fractures.

Femur fractures are common long bone injuries in children. Open femur fractures; however, are uncommon. Traditionally, long-term external fixation has been recommended for treatment of these fractures. Damage control orthopedics is a well-recognized concept in adult orthopedic trauma management. Little or no literature exists demonstrating the use of damage control orthopedics principles in children. These cases illustrate the utility of these techniques as a temporary bridge in the management of open, segmental pediatric femur fractures complicated by severe soft tissue injury and bone loss, which were managed definitively by submuscular bridge plates.