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Treatment of Pediatric Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures with Locked Intramedullary Implants

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Pediatric Femur Fractures

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Abstract

The treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures underwent a shift from traction and casting to operative intervention, especially in older children and adolescents. By the 1990s, treatment with locked intramedullary nailing had progressed from being used only in adults to being a potential treatment in adolescents, and has since been shown to be safe in children 11 years of age or older. Before any treatment is undertaken in the pediatric population, special consideration must be given to the fact that potential complications in children are different from those in adults, the most notable being avascular necrosis of the femoral head and growth disturbance. This chapter discusses the basics of locked intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children, biomechanics, indications and contraindications, operative technique, and complications, as well as considerations in implant removal.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orlando Health/Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, 1222 S. Orange Avenue, 5th Floor, Orlando, FL, 32806, USA

    Jonathan Phillips MD

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee/Campbell Clinic, 7545 Airways Blvd., Southaven, MS, 38671, USA

    David D. Spence MD

  3. Department of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, 541 East 71st Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Derek M. Kelly MD

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  1. Jonathan Phillips MD
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  2. David D. Spence MD
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  3. Derek M. Kelly MD
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Correspondence to Jonathan Phillips MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Daniel J. Hedequist

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Benton E. Heyworth

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Phillips, J., Spence, D.D., Kelly, D.M. (2016). Treatment of Pediatric Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures with Locked Intramedullary Implants. In: Hedequist, D., Heyworth, B. (eds) Pediatric Femur Fractures. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7986-5_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7986-5_11

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7986-5

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