استفاده از ميله تيتانيوم در درمان شكستگي غمور كودكان

Titanium Elastic Nails for Pediatric Femur Fractures

Background: Femoral shaft fractures in children are treated by a variety of methods such as traction, spica cast, plate, external fixator and nails. In recent years Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) has become, popular. This is a report of our experience with such a fixation system. Methods: During a 2-year period (2003-2005) 32 femoral shaft fractures in children between 5 to 10 years old were treated with ESIN. Demographic data, fracture and fixation characterstics and complications were studied with a 7-months average follow-up. Results: All 32 patients started ambulating one week after surgery, had an average 4 days of hospitalization, and had full weight-bearing ambulation in 6 weeks. All cases heald in 10 weeks-on average. Full knee motion returned in 8 weeks. Three cases had malunion either varus or valgus, malalignment or 1-2 centimeters of shortening. The most common complaint was pain around the nail insertion sites for the first two weeks. Conclusion: ESIN is valuable and dependable method for non-comminuted femoral shaft fracture fixation in 5-10 year old patients.