Abstract
Purpose: We present 10 cases of long bone fractures in children (femur, tibia, forearm) that were treated with internal fixation (flexible intramedullary rods).
Material and Methods: The patients were 10 children (9 boys and 1 girl), 6 to 15 years of age (mean 10.4 years) suffering of 6 femoral, 3 forearm and 1 tibial fracture, treated with flexible intramedullary rods. The femoral fractures healed between 3 to 4.5 months (mean, 14.7 weeks), the tibial frtacture in 3 months (12.8 weeks) and the forearm fractures in between 1 to 2.2 months (mean 7.6 weeks). Removal of the rods was performed 7.1 to 10 months (mean 39 weeks).
Results: The advantages of intramedullary fixation of long bone fractures in children, with flexible rods are: The earlier mobilization of the patient and return to his usual daily activities, the shorter period of hospitalization, the anatomic reduction of the fracture in comparison with conservative treatment (traction-cast) and external fixation and the smaller amount of complications than external fixation ( delayed union, refracture, etc.).
Conclusion: In conclusion intramedullary fixation with flexible rods has excellent results under the following conditions: the appropriate fracture (diaphyseal transverse or oblique femoral and tibial fractures and unstable fractures of the forearm) and the correct surgical technique while inserting the rods.
Correspondence should be addressed to 8 Martiou Str. Panorama, Thessaloniki PC:55236, Greece.
