L’embrochage centromédullaire élastique stable des fractures diaphysaires du tibia chez l’enfant

Abstract

Surgical stabilization is rarely indicated for tibial fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance and the complications associated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in pediatric tibial fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 12 tibias in 11 patients that were treated by ESIN between 2000 and 2007 in our institution. Children ranged in age from seven to 14 years. There were ten closed and two open fractures. The average time union was 11 weeks. Four patients (36%) had five complications: one major (malunion > 10°) and four minors (1 leg length discreparancy < 12 mm, 1 superficial infection, 1 delayed union and 1 malunion < 10°). We believe that ESIN of pediatric tibia fractures is an effective treatment option.