Severely Displaced Fracture on Pediatric Osteopetrosis Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteopetrosis, a rare bone disorder, causes unusually dense bones due to impaired bone resorption by osteoclasts, termed osteosclerosis. Symptoms vary by type and severity, marked by thickened and rigid bones. A 12-year-old boy complained of left thigh pain after falling into a sewer, previously treated for a right thigh fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). ORIF is crucial for managing acute and osteopetrotic fractures, emphasizing screw-plate fixation to prevent drilling into non-medullated bone. The disorder’s bone stiffness complicates surgery, requiring higher drilling pressure and risking necrosis. In summary, managing severely displaced osteopetrotic bone fractures with ORIF yielded satisfactory results. While effective, open reduction and internal fixation require careful consideration of technical challenges and potential complications. Specific surgical strategies can lead to successful outcomes in osteopetrosis patients, emphasizing the importance of increased diagnostic awareness.