Evaluation of Outcome of Paediatric Femur Shaft Fractures by Titanium Elastic Nailing

Abstract

Background: Fracture shaft of femur in pediatric age group is one of the most common leading emergencies. Children in the age group of 6-14 years are treated with either traction, hip spica, flexible/elastic stable retrograde intramedullary nail, or external fixators. We conducted a clinical prospective study on the use of Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS) for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children.

Methods: The study encompassed 50 instances of assorted pediatric long-bone fractures managed with flexible elastic nailing. This investigation was conducted within the Orthopaedics Department of our establishment over more than one year, from June 2022 to Dec 2023.

Results: Different long-bone fractures were treated in 50 pediatric patients aged 6 to 14 years. These procedures involved either closed or open reduction and using Titanium Elastic nail fixation. All the fractures united within 4 months of operation, and the average time taken for the union was 15 weeks. We successfully attained high-quality anatomical outcomes in 42 (84%) of the cases, while an equivalent percentage of patients experienced noteworthy functional improvements.

Conclusion: This approach is simple and gentle and characterized by less trauma. It is also grounded in sound biomechanics. The intramedullary position of the implant places it more in line with the weight-bearing forces. This reduces the likelihood of the fracture to settle in a deformed position. The absence of implant failure reflects excellent biomechanics. No case of delayed or non-union in the present study. One of the benefits of using Titanium Elastic nailing is the ability to mobilize early. This contributes to reducing the length of hospitalization and diminishing complications.