Treatment of Unstable Tibia Shaft Fractures in Children With Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails or Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis: Comparative Study on 2 Treatment Options.

INTRODUCTION

Tibial shaft fractures are common fractures in children. The optimal management should be selected based on the fracture type, the child's weight, and the presence of open growth plates. When surgical treatment is indicated, elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is considered the generally preferred method in children with open physes. However, in some cases, alternative treatment may be required.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of tibial shaft fractures in children treated with ESIN versus minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

METHODS

Fifty-nine children were treated for unstable tibial shaft fractures between 2018 and 2023 (27 with MIPO and 32 with ESIN). Patients' demographics, fracture type, surgery duration, and complications were recorded based on medical records. Bone healing, tibial axis, and implant position were assessed on follow-up radiographs. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the EFAS Questionnaire at 3.7±1.8 years (range: 1.0 to 6.8) after surgery.

RESULTS

Bone union was achieved in all patients. The total complication rate was 7.4% in the MIPO group and 15.6% in the ESIN group ( P =0.4365). No reoperations were required in the MIPO group, while 12.5% of patients in the ESIN group required reoperation ( P =0.1176). A plaster cast was applied in 46.9% of ESIN patients and in none of the MIPO patients. The surgery duration was significantly longer in the MIPO group (79.0 vs. 41.8 min in the ESIN group; P =0.0001). There was no significant difference in the final tibial axis at the final follow-up (2 ESIN patients underwent reoperation for axis correction). There was no significant difference in EFAS Questionnaire scores: 38.1±2.1 in the MIPO group versus 36.5±3.9 in the ESIN group ( P =0.1235).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is a promising alternative to elastic-stable intramedullary nails in the most severe, unstable tibial shaft fractures. Plating provides better stabilization without the need for a plaster cast; however, surgery time is longer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.