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KIRSCHNER WIRE VERSUS TITANIUM ELASTIC NAILS IN PEDIATRIC FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES
Cengiz Isik1, Tuhan Kurtulmus2, Necdet Saglam2
1Abant İzzet Baysal University Medical School, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bolu, Turkey.
Insights
Kirschner-wire (K-wire) and titanium elastic nail (TEN) show similar effectiveness for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. K-wire fixation offers a cost-effective, accessible alternative without requiring a second surgery for removal.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Traumatology
Background:
- Femoral shaft fractures are common in children.
- Intramedullary fixation is a standard treatment.
- Comparing fixation methods is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of Kirschner-wire (K-wire) versus titanium elastic nail (TEN) for intramedullary fixation in pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study included 42 pediatric patients (age 4-11 years).
- Patients underwent intramedullary fixation using either K-wire or TEN.
- Outcomes, including union duration, were evaluated.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in union duration was observed between K-wire and TEN groups.
- All patients achieved fracture union, with no cases of nonunion or delayed union.
- 16 patients (38.1%) received K-wire fixation, and 26 (61.9%) received TEN fixation.
Conclusions:
- Adjusted K-wire fixation is a viable and advantageous surgical option for selected pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
- K-wire offers benefits of lower cost, easier accessibility, and no need for secondary removal surgery.
- This study supports K-wire as an effective alternative to TEN in specific pediatric fracture cases.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation using the Kirschner-wire (K-wire) compared to the titanium elastic nail (TEN) in pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
Methods:
A sample of 42 pediatric patients with a mean age of 6.55±2.42 years (range 4-11 years) presenting femoral shaft fractures underwent intramedullary fixation using the K-wire or TEN.
Results:
There was no significant difference found between groups, of which 16 (38.1%) patients were treated with K-wire and 26 (61.9%) patients were treated with TEN in terms of union duration. Moreover, none of the patients showed nonunion or a delayed union.
Conclusions:
The use of adjusted K-wire instead of TEN in the intramedullary fixation of femoral shaft fractures in selected children may be an advantageous surgical option due to the lower cost, easy accessibility and no need for a second surgery for implant removal. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.
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