[Long-term results of elastic intramedullary nailing in pediatric femoral shaft fractures].

BACKGROUND

In our retrospective study, we evaluated pediatric femoral shaft fractures sustained by children of five to fifteen years of age, all of whom were treated with elastic intramedullary nailing.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2000, 32 femoral fractures of 30 children, 14 (47%) polytraumatized, with an average age of 9.9 (6-14), were treated with elastic intramedullary nailing.

RESULTS

Average follow-up was 105.3 (25-145) months. Three cases (9.3%) were re-operated due to developed angulations related to weight bearing in the early postoperative period. In three (9,3%) of our cases we diagnosed more than five degrees valgus deformity, in one (3.1%) anterior angulation and in 1 (3.1%) internal rotation. The average of absolute value of length discrepancies was determined as 9 mm (-15mm - +15mm).

CONCLUSION

Elastic intramedullary fixation is a recommended method, especially for polytraumatized patients, because of facilitates of patient care, recovers social activity quickly, and causes minimal soft tissue damage. However angular or rotational deformations are also possible. Selection criteria and follow up period is important and treatment of the complications must be on time.