Background: Seymour fractures are distal phalanx fractures in children with a juxta-epiphyseal pattern. The purpose of our study was to investigate the treatments, outcomes, operative ;indications, and antibiotic choice for acute Seymour fractures (presenting within 24 h of injury), to better define optimal management. We hypothesized that: (1) cephalexin provides adequate antibiotic coverage for acute Seymour fractures; (2) most injuries will achieve good outcomes with management in the emergency department (ED) alone; and (3) indication for operative intervention is unsuccessful or unstable reduction in the ED.
Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients under 18 years old treated at a large pediatric hospital from 2009 to 2017 for an acute Seymour fracture. Study outcomes included management and antibiotic type, infection, fracture healing, malunion, physeal disturbance, nail dystrophy, antibiotic failure, and need for unplanned operative intervention.
Results: Mean age of patients was 10 years, with 43 males and 22 females sustaining 65 Seymour fractures. Fifty-eight cases (89%) were initially managed in the emergency department. Seven cases were initially managed with an operative intervention that included I&D, open reduction, and K-wire fixation. The most commonly cited surgical indication was unsuccessful closed reduction. Four patients initially managed in the ED required an unplanned operation, usually because of fracture redisplacement. Complications were rare, with superficial infections being most common.
Conclusions: Most acute Seymour fractures can be successfully managed in the emergency department if stable reduction is achieved.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic.