A study of 30 cases of titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) for long bones, and its clinical outcome

Abstract

Elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) was popularized in 1980s in Nancy, France. Titanium is twice as elastic as steel and hence it resists permanent deformation of the nail which occurs during nail insertion. The versatility of the principle has widened the indications with time and experience. Conservative treatment had disadvantages like longer period of immobility, longer hospital stays, delayed rehabilitation, more malunions etc. Aggressive surgery in the form of plating and rigid nailing were not essential in children. Elastic nails have become the preferred treatment in children between five to sixteen years. ESIN can also be used in adults for clavicle fractures, forearm fractures. ESIN is also preferred in Polytrauma/Multiple injuries as they are minimally invasive and have shorter surgical time. In Damage control orthopaedics, the principle of minimally invasive surgery is followed. Other advantages of ESIN are it is postop cast immobilization may not be required, shorter hospital stay, early return to daily activity, biological union, no growth plate injury, easy and safer implant removal. This technique should be part of the armamentarium of any orthopaedic surgeon. TENS is now being used for all long bones. Hence we decided to do a study of Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS) for long bone fractures.