Outcome of diaphyseal femur fractures treated with enders nail in paediatric age group

Abstract

Introduction: In children, shaft femur fracture is the most common injury sustained. Earlier these fractures were treating conservatively but with advancement of orthopaedic implants and surgical modalities now operative intervention is favourable for early mobilization with less complication. Inadequate reduction/fixation can lead to growth disturbances among children about to attain skeletal maturity closure. Variety of surgical options includes external fixators, plates and flexible intramedullary nails and has its own complications, but the choice of implant to be used as gold standard in the management of these fractures is still a matter of debate. Enders nailing among the Flexible Intramedullary Nails, being a minimal invasive procedure and tensile property of the nail along with the feasibility of early mobilization led to its popularity. Aim: Aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Enders nail in paediatric diaphyseal femur fractures in terms of union, complications, early mobility and minimally invasive technique. Materials and Methods: This interventional prospective study was conducted from May 2017- April 2019 with 32 paediatric patients with diaphyseal femur fracture in a 5-15 years age group. Retrograde Enders nailing was done in all diaphyseal femur fractures using traction table.