Evaluation of the results of fixation of the femoral shaft fractures using the elastic intramedullary nail

Abstract

Background: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is used to treat fractures of the femur in pediatric patients who are not candidates for rigid intramedullary nailing and may be too big for spica cast immobilization Aim and objectives: The aim of the work was to evaluate the results of the use of ESIN in the treatment of diaphyseal and metaphyseal femur fractures in pediatrics.Subjects and methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 30 patients with femoral shaft fractures. the patients were divided into 3 groups; group A included distal 1/3 fractures, group B proximal 1/3 fractures, and group C with middle 1/3 fractures. The fractures were fixed with ESIN. Functional outcome was assessed according to Flynn's score.Results: The operative time in group A, B, and C was, 65±29.5, 63±16.43, and 52.89±24.17 minutes respectively (the mean was 57±24.09 and p-value = 0.0483). Flynn's score was excellent in 25 (83.33%) cases and satisfactory in 5 (16.67%) cases (p-value was 0.173). The complication rate was 26.66% (8 cases); 2 cases with infection, 2 cases with Leg Length Discrepancy, and 4 cases with knee stiffness. Conclusion: ESIN is a safe, and reliable method for fixation of the proximal, distal, and middle third femoral shaft fractures with minimal complications.

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