Outcome of titanium elastic nailing system in diaphyseal femoral fractures in children: A clinical study

Abstract

Introduction: There has been a increasing tendency towards a more operative approach in patents over six years old since the last two decades. Titanium Elastic Nail System has now become the selection for stabilization in pediatric long bone fractures, particularly the femoral shaft fractures.Methods: 20 children (15 boys, 5 girls) with femoral diaphyseal fractures (all closed) and aged 6-16 years were treated with Titanium Elastic Nail System (TENS). The fractures were in the proximal third (n=4), middle third (n=14) and in the distal third (n=2). All patients underwent surgery within 8 days of their injury and were followed up within the OPD, 24 months post-surgery. The results were evaluated using Flynn's scoring criteria.Results: All 20 patients were available for evaluation till 24 months (22-26 months) of follow up. Radiological unions were achieved in all the cases in a mean time of 8 weeks and full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 10 weeks. Mean duration of stay in hospital was 12 days. The results observed had been excellent in 12 patients (60%), successful in seven (35%) and poor in one patient (5%). All patients were able to have early return to school.Conclusions: Titanium Elastic Nail System is an effective kind of intramedullary fixation in properly selected patients for the treatment of peadiatric diaphyseal femoral fractures.