Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail Fixation for Pediatric Forearm Bone Fractures: Outcomes and Complications Rate

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Surgical Techniques
• Fracture Management

Background:

• Forearm shaft fractures are frequent in children.
• Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the standard surgical treatment.
• Assessing ESIN's effectiveness in pediatric patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate functional outcomes of ESIN in pediatric forearm fractures.
• Assess axial alignment and bone healing post-ESIN.
• Determine complication rates associated with ESIN in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of pediatric forearm fractures (2016-2020).
• Included patients aged 16 and under treated with ESIN.
• Clinical and radiological outcomes, plus complications, were reviewed.

Main Results:

• 64 pediatric patients included; mean age 8.3 years.
• High rate of favorable outcomes (92.18%).
• Mean healing delay of 56.4 days; complication rate 23.43% (serious complications rare).

Conclusions:

• ESIN is effective for pediatric forearm fractures, ensuring alignment and union.
• Satisfactory functional results are achieved with ESIN.
• Complications are manageable, with serious adverse events being infrequent.