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Complications and failures of titanium elastic nailing in pediatric femur fractures

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Flexible intramedullary nailing has become a popular method of fixation of femur fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to analyze complications following titanium elastic nailing in pediatric femur fractures.

Methods

Sixteen consecutive femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nails in children 5–15 years of age were analyzed for complications.

Results

Fracture union occurred at a median 6 weeks. Major complications were present in two patients. Children ≤10 years had higher risk of limb lengthening (P = 0.021). Risk of sagittal plane angulation was higher in children ≥10 years (P = 0.017). Leaving the outer portion of the nail shorter resulted in better knee range of motion and earlier achievement of functional knee motion. There was no incidence of skin irritation due to nails. There were two major and two minor complications. Both major complications occurred in patients with substandard nail/canal and weight/nail ratios.

Conclusion

Though titanium elastic nailing is easy to perform and is minimally invasive, strict adherence to the principles of the procedure is mandatory. Understanding the complications and ways to avoid them will help the orthopedic surgeon achieve better results.

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Conflict of interest statement

No funds were received in support of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India

    S. Saseendar, J. Menon & D. K. Patro

  2. 40, Manakula Vinayagar Street, Sri Kailasa Nagar (ECR), Lawspet, Puducherry, 605 008, India

    S. Saseendar

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  1. S. Saseendar
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  2. J. Menon
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  3. D. K. Patro
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Correspondence to S. Saseendar.

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Saseendar, S., Menon, J. & Patro, D.K. Complications and failures of titanium elastic nailing in pediatric femur fractures. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 20, 635–644 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0637-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-010-0637-1

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