The Use of ESIN in Humerus Fractures

Abstract

Background:

The aim of this study was to collect data of patients treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN), regarding epidemiology, indications, results, and complications.

Patients:

Altogether, 400 patients with fractures of the humerus, the lower arm, the femur and the lower leg, treated with ESIN, were evaluated. The participating hospitals, each collecting 100 patients, were the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Inselspital of the University of Bern, Switzerland, the Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Graz, Austria, the Department of Pediatric Surgery, St. Hedwig’s Hospital Regensburg, Germany, and the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner’s Children’s Hospital of the University of Munich, Germany. This study concentrates on 123 patients (30.8%) with humeral fractures. Of these, 29 had sustained proximal humeral fractures, 14 shaft fractures, and 80 distal humeral fractures.

Results:

In most cases good and excellent results with regard to functional and cosmetic outcome were observed. Rare, but typical problems and complications included implant dislocations, secondary axial deformations, and temporary nerve damages.

Conclusion:

ESIN of the humerus is now the standard operation to treat proximal and shaft fractures in childhood. ESIN of supracondylar fractures has advantages if performed by an expert, though the surgital technique is not simple.