[Experiences with the intramedullary open Rush-pin fixation of femur shaft fractures in children].

This is a report of 47 followed-up children in whom open intramedullary splinting of the medullary space was effected because of fracture of the shaft of the femur, using the rush-pinning technique developed by the authors. In 33 children, a slight increase of longitudinal growth was seen, which amounted to 2-20 mm. The average longitudinal extension was 9.4 mm. In 10 children, there was a shortening amounting to 1-15 mm, the average being 4.6 mm. The change in length was independent of age, localisation of the fracture, and length of time during which the pin remained in position. The effect that a slight change in valgus positioning was seen in 7 children, whereas slight turning of the hip into varus occurred in 9 children only, points to a merely slight irritation of the trochanter metaphysis.