TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES - TITANUM ELASTIC INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS VS PLATE

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Traumatology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Femoral shaft fractures are common in children aged 6-15 years.
• Current operative treatments include Titanium Elastic intramedullary nails (TEN) and plating.
• Comparative analysis of these methods is crucial for optimal pediatric fracture management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of Titanium Elastic nails (TEN) versus plate fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
• To evaluate operative duration, hospital stay, and functional results.
• To identify potential complications and suggest improvements for TEN fixation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 137 pediatric patients (age 6-15) with femoral shaft fractures.
• Patients divided into two groups: 76 treated with TEN and 61 with plate fixation.
• Outcomes assessed using Flynn's scoring criteria, operation duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time.

Main Results:

• Overall excellent results (77%) were achieved in both groups, with no significant statistical difference in functional outcomes.
• Operation duration and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the TEN group compared to the plate group.
• Soft tissue irritation from nail ends was noted in TEN patients without end cups; end cups eliminated this issue.

Conclusions:

• Titanium Elastic nails (TEN) fixation is a preferable alternative to plate fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
• TEN fixation offers advantages in reduced operative time and hospital stay.
• The use of end cups with TEN can mitigate soft tissue irritation, enhancing treatment efficacy.