Abstract
We report early major complications encountered following TEN fixation of femoral fractures in children.
A case series of four children aged 8– 16 years who had primary TEN fixation of isolated femoral diaphyseal fractures.
Three of the four patients had major complications. These were: significant knee stiffness requiring manipulation, haemarthrosis requiring washout and nail removal, loss of position and refracture. Two required revision to locked intramedullary nails without early complication.
In the skeletally immature child TEN fixation of femoral fractures has a significant major complication rate. This needs to be recognised when comparing TEN fixation with other treatment options.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
