Percutaneous K-wire fixation for femoral shaft fractures in children

From November 2001 to January 2004, sixty-five children with femoral shaft fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation. The aims of the treatment were early mobilisation, easy nursing care and rapid rehabilitation. Kirschner wires were introduced under image-intensifier control from the distal or proximal metaphyseal region of the femur, avoiding injury to the physeal plate. The average duration of hospital stay was 4 days, including training for non-weight bearing axillary crutch walk. Union was achieved in all cases between 6 and 10 weeks (average, 8 weeks). No significant complications were encountered, except refracture in one case. K-wires were removed after an average of 5 months. This is a simple and easy-to-learn technique with the added advantage of cost effectiveness.