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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 224 - 224
1 Mar 2003
Vlachos E Zambakidis C Megremis P Nicolaidis N Mantziaras D Melissis P
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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.