Flexible intramedullary nailing in paediatric femoral fractures. A report of 73 cases

An Outcome Analysis of Pediatric Diaphyseal Fractures Treated Surgically With the Titanium Elastic Nailing System

Introduction Pediatric fractures account for one-fourth of all pediatric injuries. Stabilizing the fracture, regulating the length and alignment, encouraging bone healing, and minimizing morbidity and problems for the child and family are the objectives of treatment for diaphyseal fractures of long bones in children. Our goal is to investigate how pediatric diaphyseal long bone fractures are treated with a titanium elastic nailing system (TENS). Methods A prospective interventional study was conducted on 24 children who had displaced diaphyseal fractures of major long bones, involving 31 diaphyseal fractures of long bones. Utilizing Flynn's grading standards, the result was examined. Results The mean age was 12.20 years. The youngest child was seven years old and the eldest child was 16 years old. There were 20 boys (83.33%) and four girls (16.67%). The male-to-female ratio was noted to be 5:1. The commonest mode of injury was road traffic accidents (12 cases, 50%), followed by falls while playing (10 cases, 41.67%). Other causes included falls from height (one case, 4.17%) and blunt trauma (one case, 4.17%). The commonest bone to get fractured was the femur (37.50%), followed by both bones of the forearm (29.17%), tibia (20.83%), humerus (8.33%), and ulna alone (4.17%). The middle third (21 fractures, 67.74%) was the most prevalent location for fractures. Five fractures each (16.13%) accounted for in the proximal and distal thirds. Twelve fractures (38.71%) were detected on the left side, while the majority of fractures (19 fractures, 61.29%) were seen on the right side. Most of the fractures in this group were transverse fractures (18 fractures, 58.06%) followed by oblique fractures (eight fractures, 25.81%). Comminuted fractures accounted for five fractures (16.13%). Of the 31 fractures, open reduction had to be done in two fractures, after unsuccessful attempts at closed reduction. Closed reduction was done in 29 fractures. There were 15.12 weeks in the average union term. The range is six weeks to 39 weeks. The most frequent side effect was discovered to be skin irritation at the entry site. The extraosseous portion of nails caused irritation at two entry sites (6.45%). A case had delayed union (3.23%) and restricted knee range of movements. Conclusion For the treatment of juvenile diaphyseal fractures of the long bones, the TENS is the best option. It is a quick, straightforward, safe, dependable, and efficient way to treat pediatric long-bone fractures in patients aged five to 16 years. The healing process takes a fair amount of time, while the surgery takes less time. It does away with the necessity for extended bed rest and significantly shortens hospital stays. It provides stability and elastic mobility, which is perfect for early mobilization and quick union at the fracture site. It has a low rate of complications and produces excellent functional results.

Closed reduction and intramedullary nails for acute completely displaced femoral diaphysis fracture in children aged 2-6

Background

The management of femoral fractures in children aged two to six years is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) fixation in completely displaced fractures of the femoral diaphysis in children in this age group.

Methods

A retrospective review of all children with acute completely displaced fractures of the femoral diaphysis in children aged 2-6 years treated from 2013 to 2020 was performed. A total of 34 patients were treated who met the inclusion criteria: Group 1: 21 fractures (transverse and short oblique); Group 2: 13 fractures (long oblique and spiral) that underwent closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) fixation. No differences existed between the 2 groups with respect to age, extremity, sex, time to treatment, mechanism of injury, or fracture displacement. Demographic characteristics and radiographs were reviewed, and the following parameters were documented: surgery time, time to union, return to activities, range of motion of knee joints, and complications. Major complications were defined as those with presumptive long-term side effects or those requiring a reoperation. No major complications were observed in the two groups. All included fractures were treated by a single senior paediatric surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 28.4 months (range 24-45 months). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Thirty-four children with acute completely displaced fractures of the femoral diaphysis were included: Group 1: 21 fractures; Group 2: 13 fractures. The patients included 15 girls (44.1%) and 19 boys (55.9%), with an average age of 4.4 years (range 2.8 to 6.5 years). The mean follow-up period was 28.4 months (range 24.2-45.0 months). The demographic characteristics did not differ between the two groups of patients. Overall, successful closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) fixation could be achieved in all 34 patients. The mean surgical time was 40.4 and 43.0 min in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.857). Fluoroscopy time was not significantly different between the two groups (37.0 vs. 36.1 s, respectively; p = 0.247). Cosmetic results were described as good and satisfactory by all patients. There were no refractures and no incidences of nonunion or growth arrest in the proximal epiphysis. Only two patients suffered from a superficial infection, which was resolved after the pins were shortened and oral antibiotics were administered.

Conclusion

Closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) fixation can be successfully used to treat completely displaced fractures of the femoral diaphysis in children aged two to six years. This technique is efficient and minimally invasive, and the results are satisfactory.

ESIN in femur fractures in children under 3: is it safe?

BACKGROUND

Pediatric femur fractures are a major trauma in children. Different treatment algorithms have been developed but indications for surgical treatment, especially in very young patients, are still controversial. Literature recommends surgical stabilization with elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) starting at the age of 3 and non-operative treatment in younger patients. This study sought to present the outcome of patients younger than 3 years of age treated with ESIN for femur fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were patients younger than 3 treated with ESIN in femur fractures. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, outcomes and complications were recorded using charts and X-rays. Primary outcome measures were time to mobility, fracture consolidation and surgical-related complications.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2020, 159 patients were treated with ESIN in femur fractures in our institution. A total of 30 patients met the criteria. The mean age was 2.1 ± 0.7 years (13 months-2.9 years). Most common mechanism was fall from standing height (60%). Other mechanisms were motor vehicle accidents as a pedestrian (10%) or as a passenger (10%) as well as direct blow trauma (20%). Femoral shaft fracture was the most common injury (80%). 5 subtrochanteric and one distal metaphyseal femur fractures were found. Mean length of stay was 2.0 ± 1.3 days. Radiographic controls were performed on day 1, 14 and 6 weeks after surgery if not otherwise specified or if complications occurred. 4.6 ± 1.2 (n 2-7) X-rays were performed on average after surgery. First radiographic consolidation signs were seen after 2.4 ± 0.6 weeks. Only one child showed surgical-related complication with a leg length discrepancy of 1 cm. In 10% of the patients, shortening after surgery of 1.7 ± 1.4 mm (0.3-3.1 mm) occurred. One child initially treated with traction therapy showed skin irritations and was operated with ESIN. No non-union or ESIN-related complications were found. Mean follow-up was 5.1 ± 4.4 months (4-24 months). First independent mobilization was seen at an average of 3.4 ± 1.1 weeks (2-6 weeks) after surgery. Implant removal was performed after 3.2 ± 1.3 months (2-8 months). No refracture after implant removal occurred.

CONCLUSION

Early results with ESIN show a reasonable and safe treatment option for femur fractures in toddlers and young children under the age of 3 with easy postoperative care, fast fracture union and early independent mobilization.

A Prospective Study on the Functional Outcome of Diaphyseal Fractures of Femur Treated with TENS Nailing in Pediatric age Group (5-15 years)

Introduction

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic stable intramedullary nailing titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures among children (5-15 years) with particular importance to functional outcome and complications.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective study was conducted among 30 children with fracture shaft of femur who underwent elastic stable intramedullary nailing (TENS) in the department of Orthopaedics in Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College and Hospital, Salem. The study was conducted for a period of 2 years from January 2020 to December 2021. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up for clinical and radiological outcome and complications after internal fixation by Titanium elastic nailing at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year following surgery. Flynn criteria were used to assess the functional outcome during follow-up. To analyze the Data Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21 is used. Categorical variables such as gender, side of fracture, and mode of injury are expressed as frequency and percentages. Continuous variables such as age and duration of surgery are expressed as mean (SD) or median (IQR). Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test for categorical variables and independent samples t-test was used to determine the association for continuous variables with functional and radiological outcomes. To be considered as statistically significant, the P-value should be <0.05.

Results

With regard to outcome based on Flynn criteria, excellent outcome was observed among 22 (73.3%) children and satisfactory outcome was observed among 8 (26.7%) children. None of the children had poor outcome.

Conclusion

TENS is a safer and an effective procedure in terms of functional and radiological outcome among the children with fracture shaft of femur.

Leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity in patients treated with elastic intramedullary nails after femoral shaft fractures in childhood

PURPOSE

The purpose was to study radiographic and perceived leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity in patients treated for femoral shaft fractures with elastic stable intramedullary nails in childhood.

METHODS

Thirty-five adults underwent standing radiographs and answered a questionnaire regarding perception of leg length discrepancy. Demographic data, fracture characteristics, angulation, stability of fixation, and callus formation, at time of fracture, were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age at fracture was 10.2 (4.9-16.7) years, and mean follow-up time was 11.1 (3.8-16.8) years. In 8 of 35 participants, the fractured limb was 11-15 mm longer than the non-fractured, and in 16, 1-10 mm longer. In eight participants, the fractured limb was 1-10 mm shorter than the non-fractured, and in three participants, 12-23 mm shorter. The younger the child, the greater the lengthening (R_s = -0.49, p = 0.003). The greater the femoral angulation at time of fracture, the greater the shortening (R_s = 0.42, p = 0.013). There was no significant correlation between stability of fixation or callus formation 1 month postoperatively and radiographic leg length discrepancy after skeletal maturity. Fourteen (40%) had perception of leg length discrepancy at follow-up, of whom eight had a radiographic leg length discrepancy of 10-24 mm.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with elastic stable intramedullary nail of femoral shaft fracture in childhood may result in radiographic leg length discrepancy. Younger children were more prone to lengthening and should possibly be assessed before skeletal maturity. The degree of fracture stability or callus formation at the time of fracture did not significantly affect leg length discrepancy. Perception of leg length discrepancy was not necessarily associated with a radiographic leg length discrepancy (≥10 mm).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

level IV, case series.

Management of a Femur Shaft Fracture With Nancy Nail in the Setting of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Report

Management of bone fractures must achieve both reduction and stability. However, dermatological conditions such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa can lead to catastrophic events when operating on the patient’s bone fracture, possibly leading to wound infections and fracture nonunion.

Here, we report the case of a 20-year-old female with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who had suffered from a femur fracture after a fall from the bed. The fracture management was challenging due to the severe condition; however, the use of the Nancy nail was efficient.

Due to the rarity of the disease, modifications due to the challenges faced during the patient care approach were accomplished to prevent any harm to the patient. Even though the management was challenging, the outcome was good.

Associated injury complicated by pediatric lower limb shaft fractures and clinical efficacy of flexible stainless-steel intramedullary nailing in children less than 15 years old

Although pediatric lower limb shaft fractures are common, little is known about associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine associated injuries complicated by pediatric lower limb shaft fractures and the efficacy of surgical treatment using a flexible stainless-steel intramedullary Ender nail in children less than 15 years old. This is a retrospective review of 29 children younger than 15 years old who were diagnosed with femoral or tibial shaft fractures and treated using Ender nails from 2005 to 2016. Baseline data, etiology, associated injuries, fracture site and patterns, operative and post-operative assessment were evaluated. The average age of the patients was 9.0 years, and mean follow-up was 18.2 months. Eleven patients (79%) had associated injury. At the final follow up, six patients (43%) sustained complications associated with the insertion area of the nail. There was no evidence of deep infection or nonunion at either fracture site. The clinical results were excellent in 10 (67%) fractures, and good in 5 (33%) fractures, based on the modified Flynn criteria. Almost all patients with a femoral fracture had an associated injury including abdominal visceral injury, cerebral contusion or other fractures. This study indicated good clinical and functional outcomes. On the other hand, the minor complications rate was high. Nevertheless, elastic stable intramedullary nailing recently has become available in Japan, and a prospective and comparative study is needed.

Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fracture: An Age-Based Treatment Algorithm

PURPOSE

Fractures of the femoral shaft in children are common. The rates of bone growth and remodeling in children vary according to their ages, which affect their respective management.

METHODS

This paper evaluates the incidence and patterns of pediatric femoral shaft fracture and the current concepts of treatments available.

RESULTS

The type of fracture-closed or open; stable or unstable-needs to be taken into account. Child abuse should be suspected in fractures sustained by infants. For younger children, non-surgical management is preferred, which include Pavlik harness (< 6 months old) and early spica casting (6 months to 6 years old). Older children (> 6 years old) usually benefit from surgical treatments as outcomes of non-surgical alternatives are worse and are associated with prolonged recovery times. These operative measures for older children that are 6-12 years old include elastic stable intramedullary nailing and submuscular plating. Factors to be considered when devising an appropriate intervention include body mass, location of injury, and nature of fracture. For adolescent and skeletally mature teenagers (> 12 years old), rigid antegrade entry intramedullary fixation is indicated. In the event of open fractures or polytrauma, external fixation should be considered as a temporary treatment method for initial fracture stabilization.

CONCLUSION

An age-based and evidence-based algorithm has been proposed to guide surgeons in the process of evaluating an appropriate treatment.

Flexible intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: closed versus open reduction

Children's femoral shaft fractures are commonly treated with flexible intramedullary nailing after closed or open reduction, but there is little information concerning indications for open reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine radiographic and clinical features likely to lead to open reduction before flexible intramedullary nailing. Record review identified 158 femoral shaft fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nailing. In addition to patient demographics and mechanism of injury, data obtained included surgeon name, estimated blood loss, type of reduction, type and diameter of nail, type of operating table, the use of percutaneous reduction techniques or supplemental casting, time to and duration of surgery, total time in operating room, and time to union. Fracture ratios were calculated based on established radiographic protocol. Of 158 fractures, 141 were treated with closed reduction and 17 with open reduction. The anteroposterior fracture index (1.3 ± 0.4, P = 0.0007), surgeon (P = 0.002), and flattop operating table (0.05) were associated with open reduction. Smaller lateral diameter of bone at the fracture site, transverse fracture, and surgeon were all found to be independent risk factors for open reduction; patient characteristics, including age, sex, and BMI, did not seem to influence the choice of open reduction. Fractures with a lower fracture index or pattern resembling a transverse fracture rather than oblique or spiral had an increased risk of converting to an open reduction. Surgeon preference and use of flattop tables also had a significant influence on how the fracture was treated.

Osteosynthesis of pediatric femoral shaft fractures with flexible intramedullary nailing-experience from developing world

BACKGROUND

Flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) has become the standard treatment for pediatric femoral fractures in the 6-14 years age group. The other treatment options include traction plus spica casting and external fixation. In spite of excellent results described, there is disunity in the orthopedic fraternity regarding its usefulness and nail material. The aim of our study is to determine the outcome of pediatric femur fractures treated with Stainless steel FIN.

METHODOLOGY

Between 2014 to 2018, 45 children within the age group of 6-12 years with femoral shaft fractures were included in the study. Two Stainless steel nails of predetermined size were inserted in a retrograde fashion under fluoroscopy. Patients were followed up at regular intervals to assess clinical and radiological parameters. Final results were evaluated using Flynn's clinical criteria.

RESULTS

There were 29 boys and 16 girls with an average age of 10.2 years. Fracture patterns included transverse (n=8), oblique (n=20), spiral (n=12) and comminuted (n=5). Open injuries were present in two cases and five patients had associated injuries. The mean injury to surgery interval was 2.9 days, mean hospital stay was 4.8 days and mean time to union was nine weeks. Complications included deep infection with delayed union in one case, superficial infection in two cases, malunion in three cases, limb length discrepancy of >10 mm in one patient and skin irritation from prominent nail tips in five patients. Results were excellent in 36 patients, satisfactory in eight patients and poor in one patient.

CONCLUSION

FIN is safe, reliable and efficacious method of fixation because of its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, ease of insertion and removal with better cosmesis, rapid union with short rehabilitation, less psychosocial stress to the patient and family.

Elastic nail fixation versus plate fixation of paediatric femoral fractures in school age patients - A retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

The management of paediatric femoral fractures continues to spark debate in published literature, with poor quality evidence guiding current guidelines on the optimum treatment in children. Many centres report excellent results for both elastic intramedullary nailing and plate fixation of diaphyseal femoral fractures. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of femoral fractures treated with elastic nail fixation versus those treated with plate fixation in a tertiary children's trauma unit, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all femoral fractures undergoing fixation at a level one paeditric trauma and tertiary referral unit, between 1st April 2009 and 30th April 2017, was performed.Clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed to determine patient demographics and injury, operative and hospital stay data. Radiological union, defined as bridging callus present on at least three out of four cortices on orthogonal radiographs, was determined at 12 weeks. Outcomes were determined using the Flynn Criteria. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Data was statistically analysed, and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

There were a total of 28 patients- 14 in each treatment group. Patients undergoing elastic nail fixation were significantly older than plate fixation (9.7 ± 1.9 Vs 7.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.008). A male preponderance was noted (21/28), with no difference between groups (10 Vs 11; p = 1.00). Plate fixation demonstrated a tendency towards shorter length of stay (6.3 ± 2.1 Vs 7.8 ± 3.0; p = 0.134), earlier radiological union at 12 weeks (14 Vs 10; p = 0.098), lower postoperative analgesia requirements (0.82 ± 0.45 Vs 1.12 ± 0.97; p = 0.200), and better outcomes, as determined by the Flynn criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

In the authors opinion, plate fixation is a safe, effective alternative to elastic nail fixation with equivocal outcomes as determined by the Flynn Criteria. Plate fixation may offer advantages in shorter length of stay, reduced postoperative pain and earlier weightbearing. Further large scale, prospective research is required to determine whether these are borne out in practice.

Recurrent femoral shaft fractures in a child with gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia: a case report

Background

Gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by cemento-osseous lesions in the jawbones, bone fragility, and diaphyseal sclerosis of the tubular bones. Patients with GDD are prone to sustain fractures by minor accidents. Although over 80 cases have been reported, detailed information about the orthopedic treatment of the fractures is limited.

Case presentation

A 9-year-old Japanese girl with a known history of GDD presented with pain and deformity in the left thigh after a minor fall. She had a displaced transverse fracture in the mid-shaft of the left femur and underwent a closed reduction and external fixation. In the 25th week after the initial surgery, she had another fracture in the left femur at one of the half-pin insertion sites. She underwent an external fixation again. After this operation, the patient sustained another refracture at the same fracture site and one supracondylar fracture at the distant site of the femur. The supracondylar fracture occurred without any triggering activity before beginning a weight-bearing exercise. The supracondylar fracture was successfully treated conservatively, but she sustained two more diaphyseal fractures at half-pin insertion sites one after another. She eventually underwent a revision surgery with a flexible intramedullary nail. At 3 months postoperatively, the fracture was healed and the patient maintained her ambulatory status without further refracture.

Conclusions

Patients with GDD might have narrower safety ranges of biomechanical and physiological drawbacks, which are considered to be acceptable in ordinary cases. The choice of treatment should be aimed at minimizing these negative effects. We recommend intramedullary devise as the first-choice implant for the treatment of isolated femoral shaft fracture in GDD patients in this age group.

Clinical outcomes and complications of titanium versus stainless steel elastic nail in management of paediatric femoral fractures-a systematic review

Femoral shaft fractures in children account for approximately 1.6% of all fractures. These fractures can be treated both operatively and non-operatively. Surgical fixation is more common in the age group above 6 years. Elastic intramedullary nails have become the most popular surgical modality of treatment over the last few decades. However, there is continuous debate about which type of elastic nails (titanium and stainless steel) provides better clinical outcomes with less complication. The main purpose of this study was to systematically search for and critically appraise articles comparing clinical outcomes and complications of titanium elastic nail system (TENS) and stainless steel elastic nail system (SSENS) in management of femoral fractures in the paediatric age group. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed using specific search terms and limits. Applying strict eligibility criteria, the identified studies were screened. Five studies were identified and reviewed. All of the identified studies were non-randomised comparative studies apart from one randomised controlled study. Studies provide contradictory evidence with regard to time to fracture union and time to full weight bearing. Only one study commented on time to nail removal and found that it is shorter in the TENS group. Two studies showed significantly higher rate of malunion in the TENS group, whereas the rest showed no difference. There was no difference in the rates of delayed union or infection between the two groups and no consistent difference in the rates of skin irritation. Three studies compared Flynn's outcome score and found no difference apart from one study which found better scores in the SSENS group. There is no consistent evidence to indicate the advantage of one type of elastic nails over the other in management of paediatric femoral shaft fractures; however, the overall trend is in favour of SSENS especially being cheaper than TENS. Critical appraisal of the studies identified significant methodological deficiencies, and further prospective randomised trials are recommended for more potent evidence.

Treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures by stainless steel and titanium elastic nail system: A randomized comparative trial

PURPOSE

Literature suggests that the lower modulus of elasticity of titanium makes it ideal for use in children compared with stainless steel. Better fracture stability was observed in association with titanium nails on torsional and axial compression testing. However, stainless steel nails are stiffer than titanium counterparts, which may provide a rigid construct when fixing paediatric femoral shaft fractures. Complications have been observed more frequently by various researchers when titanium nails are used for fracture fixation in patients with increasing age or weight. The concept of this study was to compare the functional outcome after internal fixation with titanium elastic nail system and stainless steel elastic nail system in paediatric femoral shaft fractures.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 34 patients admitted in the department of orthopaedics, LLRM Medical College & SVBP Hospital, Meerut, India from January 2013 to August 2014. We included patients aged 5-12 years with fracture of the femoral shaft, excluding compound fractures, pathological fractures and other lower limb fractures. Patients were treated by titanium (n=17) or stainless steel (n=17) elastic nail system and followed up for one year. The clinical parameters like range of motion at hip and knee joints, time to full weight bearing on the operated limb and radiological parameters like time to union were compared between two groups. A special note was made of intra- and post-operative complications. Functional outcomes were analysed according to Flynn criteria.

RESULTS

Based on the Flynn criteria, 59% of patients had excellent results, 41% had satisfactory results, and no one showed poor results. There was no clinically significant difference between the two groups with respect to time to union and full weight bearing. But the incidence of puncture of the opposite cortex while inserting the nail and trying to advance it through the diaphysis during operation is greatly different. Only one such case was observed in titanium group but five in stainless steel group.

CONCLUSION

Majority of paediatric femoral shaft fractures are now treated operatively by elastic stable intramedullary nails. Operative intervention results in a shorter hospital stay and has economic and social benefits over conservative treatment. The cost of stainless steel nail is one third the cost of titanium nail. However, the clinico-radiological results are not significantly different between titanium and stainless steel nails at one year follow-up as observed by our study.

Algorithm for the management of femoral shaft fractures in children

PURPOSE

Pediatric closed femoral shaft fractures are commonly related to a good prognosis. There is no consensus on treatment. We aimed to evaluate the treatment, features, radiological findings and management strategies, creating an algorithm of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two simple femoral shaft fractures in children were retrospectively evaluated for age and gender distribution, side of the fracture, etiology of injuries, limb length discrepancy, range of knee and hip motion and parents satisfaction with a mean clinical and radiographic follow-up of 3 years and 6 months. Twenty-eight patients were treated with reduction and early hip spica cast while 24 patients were treated with external fixation (EF).

RESULTS

Nearly 58 % of the cases were caused by traffic accidents and were predominantly male (61.5 %). Most of the fractures were of the middle femoral shaft (57.6 %). Muscle strength was normal (MRC scale) in all patients with no pain (NIPS and PRS scale). Knee and Hip range of motion were similar in both types of treatment. Patients treated with EF had shorter limb length discrepancy compared with SC. There were no reports of re-fracture. We found a higher familiar satisfaction in patients treated with EF.

CONCLUSIONS

An algorithm for the management of femoral shaft fractures in the pediatric population is proposed. Results on the study population gave raise to a satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

Is there a role for Ender's nailing of paediatric femoral fractures in a resource-restricted hospital set-up?

Paediatric femur fractures are managed with the titanium elastic nail system (TENS) in the 5-16-year age group. TENS is costly and not easily available in public hospitals. This study compares TENS nailing with stainless-steel Ender's nail fixation of paediatric femur fractures. A retrospective analysis of patient records from 2006 to 2008 yielded 31 children, 5-16 years of age, who underwent flexible nailing for isolated femur fractures. Sixteen children underwent Ender's nailing and 15 underwent TENS nailing. A significant difference in the coronal plane deformity was found in the TENS nailing group compared with Ender's nailing. The union time and time to weight bearing were significantly shorter for Ender's nailing than TENS nailing. The outcome according to Flynn's criteria was significantly better in the Ender's nailing group. The results of Ender's nailing in paediatric femur fractures were comparable with TENS, with a rapid healing time and reduced angular malunion.