Use of sliding transphyseal flexible intramedullary nailing in pediatric osteogenesis imperfecta patients.

In our country, the sliding Flexible Intramedullary Nailing is used alone or in combination with Ilizarov frame in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. The study assesses the results of sliding intramedullary nailing in deformity correction in severe types of osteogenesis imperfecta. We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive cases (mean age 5.2 y.o.) of types III, IV and VII of osteogenesis imperfecta. In group I (9 patients) the transphyseal FIN was performed using titanium nails. Sliding flexible intramedullary nailing was associated with Ilizarov frame in group II in 8 children. Patients in group I had overall complication rate of 88.9%: proximal nail migration (3), early secondary torsional displacement (4), non-telescoping (12), angular deformity (2), delayed or non-union (2). The reoperation rate was 100%. In group II we observed complications in 6 patients: nail migration (2), bowing of femur (2), non-telescoping (3). The reoperation rate was 87.5%. Flexible intramedullary nailing allows realignment and good functional outcomes. Its major disadvantage is an important complication rate and related reoperation rate. The use of Ilizarov frame provides additional stability and allows early weight-bearing.