Results of flexible nails for fixation of tibial diaphysis fractures in children

Abstract

Background: Fracture tibia is one of the most common fractures in the pediatric age group. It accounts about 15% of cases. In majority of cases, close reduction and plaster application is the mainstay of treatment. Objectives: The objective was to assess the outcome of flexible nails in the treatment of tibial diaphysis fractures in children and to evaluate the results regarding the union rate and complications including limb length discrepancy, angular deformities, and pain. Materials and Methods: This prospective descriptive case–control study which included 30 children with 30 unilateral tibial diaphysis fractures in which the physis were open, all were closed, and open (type 1 and type 2) fractures, and with displaced transverse, short oblique, and spiral fractures, in which the trial of close reduction was failed. All patients are admitted and operated at West Erbil Emergency Hospital. Alignment of fractures, any infection, delayed union, nonunion, limb length discrepancy, motion of knee joint, time of complete union, and skin irritation were assessed with minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Results: In the current study, the complete union was achieved in 9–11 weeks in 20 (66.7%) patients, while in 6 (20%) patients, achieved in 12 weeks, and in 4 (13.3) patients, achieved in 13–16 weeks that were regarded as a delayed union. In 6 (20%) patients, there were nail protrusion and skin irritation, no shortening more than 0.5 cm was recorded, shortening <0.5 cm recorded in 12 (40%) patients, and no lengthening was recorded. In 3 (10%) patients, the angulations in coronal and sagittal views were 5°–10°. There was no case of nonunion. Conclusion: Elastic nails are an effective way for the treatment of the pediatric tibial diaphysis fractures. It is a simple and easy method but with radiation risk, although elastic nails have complications, all are avoidable and minor that will be managed with minimal intervention.