Application of elastic stable intramedullary nailing for treating forearm fractures in children

Abstract

Objective To summarize the application of elastic stable intramedullary nailing for treating forea-rm fractures in children and to evaluate its therapeutic effect. Methods A total of 98 cases of forearm fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing were analyzed, retrospectively.Eighty-seven cases were postoperatively followed up, but 11 cases were lost.Fifty-nine cases were male, 39 cases were female, ageing from 3 to 16 year-old, and the mean age was 6.5 year-old.Sixty-seven cases were ulnar shaft fracture, 23 cases were radial neck fractures and 8 cases were Monteggia fracture. Results Patients were followed up 4 to 36 months.Eighty-seven cases successfully achieved complete healing.Patients recovered with no pain, no deformity and obtained excellent functional recovery.One case achieved delayed healing, and skin irritation was found in 8 cases. Conclusions Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive, approch easy to deal with soft tissue injury, quick in recovery, and has a good curative effect and fewer complications.Rationally using elastic stable intramedullary nailing for treating forearm fractures in children can achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Key words: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing; Forearm fracture; Minimally invasive; Child