Titanium Elastic Nails for Pediatric Femur Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Study

Nishikant Kumar^*, Laljee Chaudhary

Department of Orthopaedics, Darbhanga medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Bihar, India.

DOI: 10.4236/ss.2010.11003                

Abstract

Background: Management of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the age group 616 years is controversial. There has been a resurgence worldwide for operative fixation. Material and methods: Twenty children (15 boys, 5 girls) aged 616 years with femoral diaphyseal fractures (20 fractures, one in each) were stabilized with Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN). Patients underwent surgery within ten days of their injury. The results were evaluated using Flynn’s Scoring Criteria.Two nails were used in each fracture. Results: All 20 patients were available for evaluation and follow up for a mean duration of 24 months (1532 months). Radiological union in all cases was achieved in a mean time of 8 weeks. Full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 10 weeks (812 weeks). The results were excellent in 14 patients (70%) and successful in 6 patients (30%). Few complications that occurred were infection (in 2 cases), knee joint stiffness(in 4 cases), angulation less than 10 degrees( in 4 cases), shortening less than 10 mm(in 4 cases). Conclusion: Intramedullary fixation by TEN is an effective treatment of fracture of femur in properly selected patients of the 616 years age group.

Keywords

Children, Intramedullary Fixation, Titanium Elastic Nail, Femoral Fracture, Diaphysis

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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