Abstract :
Introduction: Fracture shaft femur is a common injury in children. The best treatment for children between 5 to 14 years of age is still debatable. The ideal device for the treatment of most displaced femoral fractures in children would be a simple, load-sharing internal splint that allows mobilization and maintenance of alignment and extremity length until bridging callus forms. Titanium elastic nails offer these features.
Aim and Objectives: To assess the functional and radiological outcome of closed reduction and internal fixation of fractures of shaft femur in children aged 5-14 years with TENS.
Materials and Methods: 30 patients were treated from November 2014 to July 2016 between age group of 5-14 years by retrograde TEN fixation.
Patients were mobilized without weight bearing on the 7th day post operatively. Partial weight bearing was started at 6 weeks and full weight bearing at 12 weeks depending on the fracture configuration, callus response and associated injuries.
Follow up was done at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
Results: Average radiological union was seen in 12.8 weeks. Maximum patients achieved full range of hip and knee movements. Only two had knee stiffness. Based on Flynnâs criteria 70% excellent and 30% good results were recorded.
Conclusion: Titanium Elastic Nailing system for the treatment of paediatric shaft femur fractures in the age group of 5-14 years is an effective method, as it avoids any growth disturbance by preserving the epiphyseal growth plate, and avoids bone damage or weakening through the elasticity of the construct.
Keyword :
Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN), Flynn criteria, Retrograde, Shaft femur, Children