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The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 88-B, Issue 4 | Pages 536 - 540
1 Apr 2006
Vallamshetla VRP De Silva U Bache CE Gibbons PJ

Flexible intramedullary nailing is gaining popularity as an effective method of treating long-bone fractures in children. We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiographs of 56 unstable fractures of the tibia in 54 children treated between March 1997 and May 2005. All were followed up for at least two months after the removal of the nails. Of the 56 tibial fractures, 13 were open. There were no nonunions. The mean time to clinical and radiological union was ten weeks. Complications included residual angulation of the tibia, leg-length discrepancy, deep infection and failures of fixation. All achieved an excellent functional outcome. We conclude that flexible intramedullary fixation is an easy and effective method of management of both open and closed unstable fractures of the tibia in children


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 263 - 263
1 Mar 2003
Aksoy C Çaolar Ö Yazycy M Surat A
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The traditional treatment method of pediatric femoral shaft fracture has been traction and spica casting.This method is safe but prolonged immobilization, frequent X-ray , pin tract infections are some of the disadvantages. Internal fixation has become an alternative treatment in especially children between 6-10 years. Surgical treatment has been advocated for children who have multiple injuries or severe head injury. Compression plate fixation provides rigid and stable fixation but requires extensive dissection. Fixation of the fractures with flex-ible intramedullary nailing is another alternative treatment method and is safe and effective especially in simple transverse and short oblique fractures.In the current study we tried to evaluate the results of flexible intramedullary nailing and compare them with compression plate fixation. Thirty four patients with 36 femoral segments were included to the study. Clinical and radiological records of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patient’s demographic data, mechanism of injury, type of treatment , duration of the operation ,age ,side were obtained from the files. 19 femoral segments were treated with compression plating .There were 13 male and 5 female patients in this group. The mean age was 7.7 (6-10).The mean operation time was 100 minutes.(75-160 minutes- time between entering and leaving the operation room )Average time to healing was calculated as 7.7 (4-10 ) months.In this group, four femoral segment non-unions and implant failures occured in 6-10 months time .These patients were managed with titanium elastic nail.17 femoral segments were treated with titanium elastic nail ( TEN ).There were 10 male and 6 female patients in this group.The mean age of the patients were 7.9 years ( 7-10 ) .There were four patients managed with plate fixation previously . Revision surgery was done with implant removal and open reduction.The remaining 12 patients were operated with closed reduction and nailing. The mean operation time for this group was 86 ( 45-135) minutes . No immobilization method was used and partial weigth bearing permitted after the surgery.The mean healing time was 4 ( 3-7 ) months for this group. As we compare the both groups , the results were similiar. Average operation time was shorter in the nailing group but there were no statistically significant difference between the two groups. ( p> 0.05) . Average healing time was statistically significantly shorter in the nailing group. ( p= 0.038). It is generally accepted that plating is a traditionally safe and effective method; this study demonstrates that flexible intramedullary nailing maintains shorter operation time and shorter time to healing . The lack of need of post-operative immobilization , and small incisions for the insertion of the nail which is cosmetically more acceptable are the other advantages of this method. Conclusion: Internal fixation with flexible intramedul-lary nailing of the femoral fractures in pediatric age group is an advocatable solution


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 67-B, Issue 5 | Pages 715 - 718
1 Nov 1985
Pritchett J

Ten patients with humeral shaft fractures and no clinical or radiographic signs of healing after at least six weeks' immobilisation were treated by flexible intramedullary nailing using a closed retrograde technique. Bone grafting was not performed, and active movement was encouraged after operation. Nine fractures healed; the mean time to union was 10.5 weeks (range 6 to 22 weeks). One patient needed compression plating and bone grafting at 22 weeks, and another required re-operation for distal migration of the rods. There were no infections, nerve palsies or other complications. Stiffness of the shoulder which had developed during early treatment improved after operation


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 335 - 336
1 Jul 2008
Vishwanathan K Modi N Patel K Daveshwar R Golwala P
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PURPOSE OF STUDY: We report our experience with multiple flexible intramedullary nailing (Ender nailing) of fractures of shaft of the femur in paediatric age group. METHODS: We did a prospective review of 20 children (mean age- 8.8 years; range- 6.5 to 15 years) treated with Ender nailing. Fall from height was the predominant mechanism of injury (18 children). The mean follow-up period was 16.3 months (range- 4 to 28 months). RESULTS: 18 fractures united by 6-8 weeks and 2 fractures united by 8-10 weeks. Minor limb length discrepancies were seen in this series (range, -5mm to +10mm). 2 children had shortening of 5mm while 4 children with upper third fractures had 10mm lengthening. All patients were able to squat on floor and sit cross-legged. All but one patient had full hip and knee range of motion. Varus angulation of 15 degree was seen in 2 patients who were non-compliant and had started early weight bearing. Backing out of 1 nail was seen in 1 patient and the nail was extracted. TEN outcome scoring system was used to critically analyse the results. 16 children had excellent outcome, 2 children had satisfactory outcome and 2 children (with varus malunion) had poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Ender nailing is a safe and effective method for treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children between the age of 6 and 15 years. Patient compliance is crucial for a satisfactory outcome since early full weight bearing can predispose to varus malunion


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 108 - 108
1 Jan 2013
Patel A Anand A Alam M Anand B
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Background. Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures constitute up to 5.4% of all fractures in children under 16 years of age in the United Kingdom. Most can be managed with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Surgical fixation options include flexible intramedullary nailing and plating. However, the optimal method is controversial. Objectives. The main purpose of this study was to systematically search for and critically appraise articles comparing functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes and complications of nailing and plating for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. Methods. A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane library databases using specific search terms and limits was undertaken. The critical appraisal checklist (adapted from Critical Appraisal Skills Programme-CASP, Oxford; Guyatt et al) for an article on treatment was used to aid assessment. Results. All 7 studies identified were retrospective, comparative and non-randomized. They all included patients with similar baseline characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in group outcomes for range of forearm movement, time to fracture union and complication rates. Less operative time and better cosmesis was noted in the IM nailing groups. Some studies showed post-operative radial bow was significantly abnormal in the IM nailing groups, but did not affect forearm movement. Conclusion. Based on similar functional and radiographic outcomes, nailing seems to be a safe and effective option when compared to plating for forearm fractures in children. However, critical appraisal of the studies in this review identified some methodological deficiencies and further prospective, randomized trials are recommended


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 86-B, Issue 7 | Pages 947 - 953
1 Sep 2004
Barry M Paterson JMH


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 86-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 349 - 350
1 Mar 2004
Loupasis G Anastopoulos G Deros J Kotsaris S Assimakopoulos A
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Aims: The purpose of this retrospective review was to analyze our results with the use of the Marchetti-Vicenzi elastic locked nail in femoral shaft fractures. Methods: Between Jan.1994 and Dec.1997, 75 femoral fractures in 73 patients were treated in our department. There were 51 men and 22 women with a mean age of 29 years. All patients were followed to fracture union. In 67 cases (89%) the cause of injury was a R.T.A. According to Winquist and Hansen, there were 8 fractures of type 0 (no comminution), 5 of type I, 22 of type II, 29 of type III and 11 of type IV. Six fractures were open grade II and two were grade IIIa. Multiple injuries were seen in 22 patients (30%). Results: Certain intraoperative complications were encountered in 25 cases (33%). Open nailing was required in 21 fractures (28%) mainly because of the loss of reduction (absence of guide wire) or because the distal pins jammed at the fracture site. Distal locking mechanism problems (bending of protruding locking wire or breakage of safety loops) occurred in 11cases (15%). In 3 patients the distal pins protruded from the anterior cortex and in another 4 breakage of one or more pins occurred during the postoperative period. Delayed union was seen in 7 patients (9%). Five fractures (7%) progressed to non-union. All the non-united fractures were type III or IV. The remaining fractures united after a mean period of 15 weeks. Four fractures (5%) which were located in the distal third, united with signiþcant varus deformity (≥10¡). Shortening (≥2 cm) were seen in 4 patients (5%). There was one deep infection that led to nonunion. Conclusions: Because of the high complication rate in this series, we do not recommend this type of elastic nail for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 95-B, Issue 2 | Pages 254 - 258
1 Feb 2013
Park S Noh H Kam M

We analysed retrospectively the risk factors leading to femoral overgrowth after flexible intramedullary nailing in 43 children (mean age 7.1 years (3.6 to 12.0)) with fractures of the shaft of the femur. We reviewed their demographic data, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, the type and location of the fractures, the nail–canal diameter (NCD) ratios and femoral overgrowth at a mean follow-up of 40.7 months (25.2 to 92.7). At that time, the children were divided into two groups, those with femoral overgrowth of < 1 cm (Group 1), and those with overgrowth of ≥ 1 cm (Group 2). The mean femoral overgrowth of all patients was 0.6 cm at final follow-up. Overgrowth of ≥ 1 cm was noted in 11 children (25.6%). The NCD ratio was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1, with an odds ratio of 30.0 (p = 0.003). We believe that a low NCD ratio is an indicator of an unstable configuration with flexible intramedullary nailing, and have identified an association between a low NCD ratio and femoral overgrowth resulting in leg-length discrepancy after flexible intramedullary nailing in paediatric femoral shaft fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:254–8


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1056 - 1061
1 Aug 2020
Gordon JE Anderson JT Schoenecker PL Dobbs MB Luhmann SJ Hoernschemeyer DG

Aims. Current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines for treating femoral fractures in children aged two to six years recommend early spica casting although some individuals have recommended intramedullary stabilization in this age group. The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment and family burden of care of spica casting and flexible intramedullary nailing in this age group. Methods. Patients aged two to six years old with acute, non-pathological femur fractures were prospectively enrolled at one of three tertiary children’s hospitals. Either early closed reduction with spica cast application or flexible intramedullary nailing was accomplished under general anaesthesia. The treatment method was selected after discussion of the options by the surgeon with the family. Data were prospectively collected on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, complications, pain medication, and union. The Impact on Family Scale was obtained at the six-week follow-up visit. In all, 75 patients were included in the study: 39 in the spica group and 36 in the nailing group. The mean age of the spica group was 2.71 (2.0 to 6.9) years and the mean age of the nailing group was 3.16 (2.0 to 6.9) years. Results. All fractures healed without evidence of malunion or more than 2.0 cm of shortening. The mean Impact on Family score was 70.2 for the spica group and 63.2 (55 to 99) for the nailing group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.024) in a univariate analysis suggesting less impairment of the family in the intramedullary nailing group. There was no significant difference between pain medication requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Two patients in the spica group and one patient in the intramedullary nailing group required additional treatment under anaesthesia. Conclusion. Both early spica casting and intramedullary nailing were effective methods for treating femoral fractures in children two to six years of age. Intramedullary stabilization provides an option in this age group that may be advantageous in some social situations that depend on the child’s mobility. Fracture treatment should be individualized based on factors that extend beyond anatomical and biological factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(8):1056–1061


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_16 | Pages 26 - 26
1 Dec 2021
Edwards T Daly C Donovan R Whitehouse M
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Abstract. Objectives. There is debate regarding the optimal surgical technique for fixing femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 years. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the complication rate following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plate fixation and external fixation (EF) for traumatic femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases for interventional and observational studies. Two independent reviewers screened, assessed quality and extracted data from the identified studies. The primary outcome was the risk of any complication. Results. Nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 19 observational studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Within the RCTs, five analysed FIN (n=161), two analysed plates (n=51) and five analysed EF (n=168). Within the observational studies, 13 analysed FIN (n=610), seven analysed plates (n=214) and six analysed EF (n=153). The overall risk of complications was lower following plate fixation when compared to FIN (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73, p=0.001) in the observational studies. The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to FIN in both RCTs (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.01, p=0.003) and observational studies (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.58, p<0.001). The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to plate fixation in both RCTs (RR 7.42, 95% CI 1.84 to 29.98, p=0.005) and observational studies (RR 4.39, 95% CI 2.64 to 7.30, p<0.001). Conclusions. This study reports a significantly decreased relative risk of complications when femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 are managed with plates. The overall quality of evidence is low, highlighting the need for a prospective multicentre randomised trial at low risk of bias due to randomisation and outcome measurement to identify if any fixation technique is superior


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 27 - 27
1 Jan 2003
Ashraf T Gibbons P
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Concomitant ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures result from high velocity injuries and are often associated with other, life threatening, injuries. They are rare injuries in children with few published series, none of which comment on the use of flexible intramedullary nails in the treatment of such injuries. We present our experience of concomitant ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures in children and discuss the use of flexible intramedullary nails in their management. Hospital records and radiographs of 19 such injuries in 18 patients were studied. These cases were divided into three groups based on the method of treatment. Group A: (8 cases) both the femoral and tibial fractures were internally fixed. Group B: (4 cases) only one out of the two fractures had internal fixation while the other was externally immobilised. Group C: (7 cases) both femoral and tibial fractures were treated with external immobilisation like external fixators, plaster cast or traction. Six cases in group A were treated with flexible intra-medullary nailing The mean age was 8.5 years. The average follow up was 3.5 years. All patients were reviewed and assessed clinically following discharge from hospital. Patients treated with internal fixation of both fractures had a shorter hospital stay and were able to weight bear earlier. Limb length discrepancy was common in conservatively treated patients. Mean limb length discrepancy was 3.8 cm of shortening. A better range of knee movement was observed in patients treated with flexible nail for femoral and tibial fracture. Over all a good result was achieved in 70% of the patients. Using our assessment criteria we found that Group A faired better than the other two groups on all accounts. Only a few small series of such a rare injury has been mention in the literature. More complications have been reported in children under 10 years of age. In our study we found better results when both tibial and femoral fractures were treated with internal fixation. The out come results in our patients were not related to age. We found that internal fixation with closed flexible intramedullary nailing of both femoral and tibial fractures was a safe and effective technique and has therefore been recommended


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 155 - 155
1 Nov 2021
Edwards T Daly C Donovan R Whitehouse M
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Introduction and Objective. The most common paediatric orthopaedic injury requiring hospital admission is a femoral fracture. There is debate regarding the optimal surgical technique for fixing femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 years. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have issued relevant guidelines, however, there is limited evidence to support these. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the complication rate following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plate fixation and external fixation (EF) for traumatic femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12. Materials and Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases for interventional and observational studies. Two independent reviewers screened, assessed quality and extracted data from the identified studies. The primary outcome was the risk of any complication. Secondary outcomes assessed the risk of pre-specified individual complications. Results. Nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 19 observational studies (six prospective and 13 retrospective) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Within the RCTs, five analysed FIN (n=161), two analysed plates (n=51) and five analysed EF (n=168). Within the observational studies, 13 analysed FIN (n=610), seven analysed plates (n=214) and six analysed EF (n=153). The overall risk of complications was lower following plate fixation when compared to FIN fixation (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73, p=0.001) in the observational studies. The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to FIN fixation in both RCTs (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.01, p=0.003) and observational studies (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.58, p<0.001). The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to plate fixation in both RCTs (RR 7.42, 95% CI 1.84 to 29.98, p=0.005) and observational studies (RR 4.39, 95% CI 2.64 to 7.30, p<0.001). Conclusions. Although NICE and the AAOS recommend FIN for femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12, this study reports a significantly decreased relative risk of complications when these injuries are managed with plates. Our findings provide valuable information to healthcare professionals who are involved in discussing the risk and benefits of different management options with patients and their families. The overall quality of evidence is low, highlighting the need for a rigorous prospective multicentre randomised trial at low risk of bias due to randomisation and outcome measurement to identify if any fixation technique is superior


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 86-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 214 - 214
1 Mar 2004
Barry M
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Lower limb fractures in children are common. These fractures can be managed in a variety of ways, and the method chosen depends on a number of factors including:. Age of the child. Site of fracture. Whether the fracture is open or closed. Associated injuries. Surgeon’s expertise and experience. Parental wishes. Femur: Immediate or early hip spica gives good results withminimal shortening particularly in the younger child. Flexible IM nails have been widely reported and give good results. It is important to appreciate the mechanics of how the nails function to stabilise the bone and to recognise that pre-bending the nails is a vital step in the operation. As surgeons become more confident in using the nails, the range of indications can be extended to include proximal or distal fractures, comminuted, open and pathological fractures. Tibia: Skeletal stabilisation of open tibial fractures can be provided by application of an external fixator. The use of flexible IM nails in the tibia is more controversial. Introduction of these nails into the proximal tibia can be difficult and even with pre-bending of the wires, additional cast protection may be required


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 79-B, Issue 6 | Pages 975 - 978
1 Nov 1997
Bar-On E Sagiv S Porat S

We report the outcome of 19 children aged 5.2 to 13.2 years with 20 fractures of the femoral shaft requiring surgery, who were randomly assigned to have external fixation (EF) or flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) (10 fractures each). The duration of the operation averaged 56 minutes for the EF group with 1.4 minutes of fluoroscopy, compared with 74 minutes and 2.6 minutes, respectively, for the FIN group. The early postoperative course was similar, but the EF group showed much more callus formation. The time to full weight-bearing, full range of movement and return to school were all shorter in the FIN group. The FIN complications included one transitory foot drop and two cases of bursitis at an insertion site. In the EF group there was one refracture, one rotatory malunion requiring remanipulation and two pin-track infections. At an average follow-up of 14 months two patients in the EF group had mild pain, four had quadriceps wasting, one had leg-length discrepancy of over 1 cm, four had malalignment of over 5°, and one had limited hip rotation. In the FIN group, one patient had mild pain and one had quadriceps wasting; there were no length discrepancies, malalignment or limitation of movement. Parents of the FIN group were more satisfied. We recommend the use of flexible intramedullary nailing for fractures of the femoral shaft which require surgery, and reserve external fixation for open or severely comminuted fractures


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 115 - 116
1 Mar 2008
Lalonde F Goodwin R Gaynor T Mahar A Oka R
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Few published series demonstrate the complications of flexible intramedullary nailing of unstable tibial diaphyseal fractures in children. A retrospective review of nineteen patients was performed, as well as a biomechanical analysis. Two common implant configurations were compared, double or divergent C and medial C and S. Five patients (26%) had complications. Two angular deformities (> 10°) occurred with the medial C and S. The C and S demonstrated lower range of motion than the double c. Despite it’s inferiority in biomechanical testing, the double c construct was associated with fewer complications and is the authors’ preferred technique. To summarize the complications seen with intramedullary flexible nailing of tibial diaphyseal fractures and to examine the clinical outcomes and biomechanical properties between two different fixation constructs (double C vs. C and S constructs). A retrospective review of nineteen patients was performed, as well as a biomechanical analysis of stability in torsion and compression when using two types of implant configurations in a pediatric sized synthetic tibia model. Outcome measures included union rates, residual deformity, and complications. Five patients (26%) had complications. Union occurred in all cases. None required repeat operation. Two (11%) angular deformities (> 10°) occurred with the medial C and S construct, versus none with the double C. The C and S configuration demonstrated significantly lower range of motion (32 + 4 degrees) compared to the double c configuration (71 + 20 degrees) (p< 0.03). There was no statistical difference in failure load at 5mm of gap closure between the C and S configuration (105 + 62N) and the double c configuration (40 + 42N) (p=0.2). The C and S construct was superior in biomechanical testing, however the double c construct had no angular deformities greater than ten degrees in the clinical series. Flexible intramedullary nail fixation is a straightforward technique that reliably produces good results. Despite it’s inferiority in biomechanical testing of a synthetic tibia model, the double c construct was associated with fewer complications and is the authors’ preferred technique


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 85-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 108 - 108
1 Feb 2003
Peter VK Garg NK Bruce CE
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This paper presents the results of forearm fractures in twenty children treated with flexible intramedullary nailing, over a period of 3 yrs. Forearm fractures in children are an extremely common injury and excellent results are obtained in the majority of cases by closed reduction and plaster immobilisation. If adequate reduction cannot be achieved or maintained by conservative means or if it fails, some form of internal fixation will be required. Flexible nails are an extremely effective way for addressing this problem. Twenty children had flexible intramedullary nailing done following forearm fractures over a 3-year period from 1997–2000 [failed reduction (10), unstable post MUA(3), slipped in plaster(6) and open fractures(1)]. There were 15 male and 5 female patients, the mean age being 10. 9. The nature of the injury were radial neck (3); proximal radius (1), galeazzi (1) and both bone fractures (15). Nine patients had closed nailing, while 11 required a mini open approach of which, 5 needed exposure only on one side. Patients were protected post surgery until signs of union were seen. The patients had regular clinical and radiological assessment and nails were removed on an average of 6–8 months, though in patients with radial neck fractures it was removed much earlier [4–5 weeks]. All patients went on to full bony union in excellent position, the average time to union being 5. 8 weeks. All but one patient regained full prono-supination, elbow and wrist motion, though none had any functional disability. There were a few minor complications especially following implant removal, including superficial wound infections (3), transient hypoasthesia in the distribution of the superficial radial nerve (2) and one patient in whom one nail had to be left behind as it could not be removed. There were no long-term sequelae. Several methods of internal fixation are available, and the very diversity of choice demonstrates the lack of an ideal solution. K-wires are not applicable at all levels and plates have the disadvantage that they require extensive exposure of the fracture site. Removal of the plates is just as, if not more, fraught with complications. Flexible nails can often be inserted closed, leave cosmetically more acceptable scars, provide excellent alignment of the fracture and can be removed easily without requiring any postoperative immobilisation. In our opinion it should be considered as the method of choice in treating forearm fractures in children, when some form of internal fixation is required


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 86-B, Issue 4 | Pages 592 - 594
1 May 2004
Kapoor V Theruvil B Warwick DJ Uglow MG

We describe a patient with fractures of both bones of the forearm in whom flexible intramedullary nail fixation of the radius alone led to ulnar malunion and a symptomatic distal radio-ulnar joint subluxation. This was successfully treated by ulnar osteotomy


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVIII | Pages 178 - 178
1 Sep 2012
Shore BJ Glotzbecker MP Zurakowsky D Matheney TH
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Purpose. Pediatric tibial shaft fractures (TSF) account for 15% of long bone fractures in children. Compartment syndrome (CS) is difficult to diagnose in children, often leading to disastrous outcomes. This study investigated the incidence of CS in TSF and its associated risk factors. Method. A detailed five-year retrospective chart review of TSF treated at a major pediatric hospital. CS was diagnosed clinically or by intra-compartment pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis tested age, gender, mechanism of injury, time to surgery, fracture type, and treatment intervention as possible risk factors for CS. Results. There were 216 TSF in 212 children (160 males, 52 females; mean age 13.6 years, range eight-18 years). One hundred and thirty-two (61%) fractures were treated with closed reduction and casting, 36 with external fixation, 21 with flexible intramedullary nails, and 27 with locked intramedullary nails. There were 23 cases of CS (10.6%). Multivariate predictors of CS included age 14 years and older (21/96 = 22%, p < 0.001) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) (12/57 = 21%, p = 0.002). Incidence of CS was 44% among patients 14 and older who sustained MVA (11 of 25). Gender, AO fracture type, time to surgery and surgical fixation were not predictive of CS. Conclusion. This is the first large study to report the incidence of CS from TSF in children. The incidence of 10.6% is higher than previously reported and much higher in patients 14 years of age and older and involved in an MVA. Surgeons should be especially aware and suspicious of CS in children with tibial shaft fractures who have these risk factors


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 65 - 65
1 Feb 2012
Dahabreh Z Sturdee S Templeton P Cullen E Giannoudis P
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Background. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify any benefits of early active treatment of paediatric femoral shaft fractures for patients, their families, and the hospital. Patients and methods. Our protocol (1999-2002) uses flexible intramedullary nails for children older than five, early hip spica (within one week of injury) for the under five year olds, and external fixation for polytrauma (Early Active Group[EAG], n = 25). Prior to this (1999-2002), treatment consisted of late application of a hip spica (3-4 weeks following injury) or inpatient traction (Traditional Group [TG], n = 41). Outcome measures were length of hospital stay, degree of malunion, knee and hip movements, and leg length discrepancy. The financial burden to the family including waged and non-waged time lost, transport, childminder, and other extra costs were estimated. Hospital costs including inpatient stay, theatre, and implant costs were analysed. Results. A 40% reduction in the incidence of femoral fractures over the six-year period was noted. Mean hospital stay was 29 and 10 nights (p<0.001); family costs were £1,243 and £968; and hospital costs were £10,831 and £4,291 per patient (p<0.005) in the TG and the EAG respectively. Parents in both groups preferred early discharge (86%-94%). In the EAG, 10 patients were short at 3 months (0.5 - 3 cm). None was short at 2 years. Eight children were long at 2 years. At 2 years, all had good clinical and functional results. There was no significant difference in the mal-union rate between the two groups. All the fractures united by three months. Five out of nine complications occurred in the EAG. Conclusion. The use of our early active treatment protocol has resulted in a significant reduction in hospital stay, costs to the families and the hospital


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 291 - 291
1 May 2006
Trehan R Daly K
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Treatment of unicameral bone cysts ranges from injections of corticosteroids, bone marrow with allogenic demineralised bone matrix to open bone grafting procedure. These procedures have their own disadvantages in form of infection, fracture, long-term morbidity, repeat procedure and high recurrence rate. We describe here a new, technically simple and safe technique with minimal morbidity and short hospital stay. We treated 2 young children with active bone cyst (that did not heal with pathological fractures in past 18 months) by this technique and in both the cases bone cyst healed without any complications. In patient with active bone cyst at the proximal end of humerus, under image intensifier control distal humerus perforated with 3.5 mm drill and a pre bent 2.5 mm, flexible, intramedullary nail passed into the medullary canal and then to proximal end of bone cyst. Nail now rotated sequentially at 5 mm intervals to destroy the architecture of the cyst completely until no resistance is felt. Wound closed with skin sutures and steristrips. Post operatively both children were comfortable and discharged home next day. In both cases cyst healed uneventfully. Though we have small experience but technique looks very promising