Flexible Intramedullary Nailing for Femoral Shaft Fracture in Children

Jeon, Kwang Pyo; Kang, Kyung Hoon; Kim, Jin Il; Kim, Dong Soo; Yoon, Hyung Koo; Kang, Chul Weon

Abstract

PURPOSE : In children, fractures of the femoral shaft have been traditionally treated by immobilization in a spica cast, either immediately or after a period in traction except open fracture or for patient with head injuries. More recently, there has been a growing trend towards surgical treatment with widening of the indications including isolated femoral fractures. To evaluate the clinical, radiological results of surgical treatment for femoral shaft fractures in children, we reviewed 13 cases of femoral shaft fractures in children treated with flexible intramedullary nailing and followed for more than 12 months. MATERIALS & METHODS : The average age of the patients was 11 years and 4 months(range 10- 14 years). The average follow-up period was 1 years and 3 months(range 1 years-1 years and 8 months)after surgery. 10 cases and 3 cases were inserted through antegrade and retrograde entry,
RESULTS
No major complications were found except 1 intraoperative iatrogenic fracture and 2 postoperative bursitis ;all fractures were united and radiologic union was obtained at 9.5 weeks after surgery.
CONCLUSION
: The clinical results obtained using flexible intramedullary nails for the stabilization of femoral shaft fracture in children are comparable to non-operative treatment, but with less disruption to family life and a shorter hospitalization while achieving near anatomic alingment, maintaining lengh, and allowing early active motion at the hip and knee.