Flexible intramedullary "classical" nailing in childhood: use in fractures of the femur and humerus.

The authors report their experience with flexible intramedullary nailing in the treatment of some fractures of the femur and humerus during childhood. The series goes back 2 years, with 16 patients treated, and 2 years follow-up for 10 of them. The method used took two variations into consideration: that of multiple bundle nailing, and that of two secant arc nails. Flexible intramedullary nailing presents a consistent series of advantages, that are divided into advantages of a biological (physiological consolidation), mechanical (flexible stability), and practical (comfort for the patient) nature. The authors believe that the advantages divided into relative and absolute have a very relevant weight.