Evaluation of Results of Intramedullary Fixation of Paediatric Fracture Shaft Femur by Titanium Elastic Nail

Background: Femoral shaft fractures are most common fractures in paediatric orthopaedic age group. There are distinct methodologies to treat them. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is one in every of them and a longtime and reliable methodology for treating these fractures. Aims: To evaluate the clinical, functional and radiological outcome of intramedullary fixation of displaced fracture shaft femur in skeletally immature children using titanium elastic intramedullary nails. Material and Methods: 65 Femoral shaft fracture in 60 children aged 6-14 years were fixed with titanium intramedullary elastic nail under image intensifier control between July 2013 and June 2017.Two nails of proper and equal diameter were used for fracture fixation. No external splint was used after surgery. Outcomes assessed on the basis of Flynn et al scoring criterion. Results: All patients achieved complete healing at a mean of 9.5 weeks. 51 fracture reduced by closed means but 14 needs open reduction. Common size of elastic nail used was 3mm. no major complication was recorded all were minor and can be taken care off. Most common was entry site skin irritation recorded in 10 patients. 90% had excellent result and 10% had satisfactory. Conclusion: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is the method of choice for the Femoral shaft fracture in paediatric patients, because it is minimally invasive and provide six point fixation and shows very good functional and cosmetic result. It allows early ambulation and shorter hospital stay and higher parent satisfaction. ESIN also provide flexural, translational and rotational stability as well. Key-wordsElastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN), Titanium elastic nail (TEN), Femoral shaft fracture, Paediatric INTRODUCTION Surgical treatment of long bones fractures in children must first consider the fact that excellent results can be achieved with non operative treatment, with reported union rates of more than 90% and 100% full functional recovery. [1] Occasionally reduction cannot be maintained due to excessive shortening, angulations, or malrotation at the fracture site, making operative intervention necessary. [2] Fracture treatment in children relies on rapid healing and spontaneous correction of angulated fractures; therefore most of the diaphyseal fractures can be treated by plaster alone. Operative treatment of children’s fracture is often looked at critically. [3] Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: