Results of the Pediatric Shaft Femur Fracture Treated with Closed Rigid Lateral Trochanteric Entry Intramedullary Nail in North Indian Population

Abstract

Objectives The femoral shaft fractures constitute 1.6% of the pediatric fractures. Intramedullary nailing is a common mode of fixation in older children and adolescents. The rigid intramedullary locking nail is a preferred choice over flexible nails in overweight patients and children older than 11 years of age. The adolescent age group with skeletal immaturity deserves special attention from the surgeons because of grave complications like avascular necrosis of the femur head and angular deformities. The aim of this study is to report the outcome of an adolescent femur shaft fracture treated with a rigid intramedullary interlocking nail in North Indian patients. Material and Methods This is a retrospective analysis performed by retrieving records of 19 patients. Patients with open fractures, polytrauma and neurovascular injuries were excluded. The preoperative and post-operative radiographic orthogonal views were analyzed to assess parameters like alignment, union and avascular necrosis (AVN). Results The mean age was 12.3 years. The mean follow-up was 1.5 years. The average time for union was 8 weeks. All the fractures were united in an acceptable alignment and rotation. There was no avascular necrosis, angular deformity and infection. The mean femur length discrepancy was 7 mm. Conclusion The rigid intramedullary interlocking nail is a valuable option for the fixation of femoral shaft fractures in an adolescent age group with a good union rate and minimal complications.