Abstract
The need for operative fixation of paediatric femoral fractures is increasingly being recognised in the present decade. The conventional traction and casting method for management of paediatric femoral fractures is giving way for the operative stabilisation of the fracture. We conducted a prospective study on 25 pediatric patients age group 6–14 years with diaphyseal femoral fractures, stabilised with two titanium nails of same size. Titanium nails were inserted through distal metaphyseal area 1 inch above the physis in a retrograde manner. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for one year.No patient was lost in the followup. Overall good results were reported with the use of TENs with minimal complications. Hospital time averaged 4.26 days in the series. All the fractures healed with an average time to union of 2.96 weeks. Return to school was early with an average of 7.8 weeks. Shortening was reported in two cases due to angulation at the fracture site. There were no delayed union or infection. The soft tissue discomfort near the knee produced by the nails ends was the most common problem encountered and thence cutting the nail ends closer to the bone is important. 5 nails had to be removed ssssubsequently after the bony union due to this problem. With proper operative technique and aftercare TENs may prove to be an ideal implant for pediatric femoral fracture fixation in the coming times.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
