RETROGRADE ELASTIC INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS VERSUS IMMEDIATE HIP SPICA CAST IN TREATMENT OF PAEDIATRIC FEMUR FRACTURE: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of retrograde flexible intramedullary nailsin treatment of paedriatic diaphyseal fractures in comparison with the traditional treatment ofimmediate hip spica cast. Hypothesis: We hypothesised that in children with femur fracturewho are managed with flexible intramedullary nails have better outcome in comparison tothose managed with immediate hip spica cast. Study Design: Randomized control trail. Place& Duration of Study: Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from June 2016 to October 2017.Methods: A group of forty-eight children aged 6-12 were randomly allocated either elasticintramedullary nail or immediate hip spica casting and were followed up to six months. Fracturealignment (coronal and sagittal angulation, leg length discrepancy), time for fracture union,recovery mile stones (time to start weight bearing with aids, independent walking, knee rangeof movement) and the presence of complications including surgical site infection were recordedand compared between two groups. Results: Children treated with elastic intramedullary nailsin comparison with those treated with immediate hip spica had early union (p<0.001), shortertime to start weight bearing with support or independently (p<0.001). Leg Length discrepancy(p<0.001), coronal and sagittal angulation (p<0.001 and p=0.02) was significantly higher in hipspica group. Difference observed between the two groups regarding knee range of movement(p=0.085) and surgical site infection (p=0.076) was not significant. Conclusion: Children aged6-12 years treated with elastic intramedullary nail for femoral diaphyseal fracture had earlierunion, reduced rate of shortening, malunion and allowed earlier rehabilitation.