Authors
Kolo Z, Donwa JO, and Onuminya JE.
Abstract
Femoral diaphyseal fractures account for 1.6% of all paediatric fractures. In children younger than 5 years nonoperative treatment is ideal as they have good remodeling ability; however, in children aged 6-11 years, accurate reduction is necessary to correct angular deformity. Titanium elastic nailing of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children between 6-11 years has gained widespread popularity because of its clinical effectiveness and low risk of complications. Several studies have evaluated the functional outcome of the use of Titanium Elastic Nails (TENS) in length-stable paediatric femoral shaft fractures in other parts of the world; however, there is a paucity of data in our environment.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional outcome of the use of Titanium Elastic Nails in managing paediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 6-11 years using the Flynn scoring criteria.
Methods: Thirty patients with paediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures were recruited for this prospective, interventional study. Two nails of equal diameter were used for each fracture fixation. The patients were followed up at the 3rd, 6th and 24th week by clinical and radiographic assessment for union, pain, mal-alignment, irritation at nail entry site, surgical site infection and limb length discrepancy. The outcomes were assessed at the end of 24 weeks using the Flynn outcome scoring criteria into excellent, satisfactory or poor outcome. Data collected were analysed using Chi-square with fishers' exact corrections. Results were compared with statistical significance set at $P < 0.05$.
Results: Thirty patients within the age range of 6-11 years with a mean age of 8.6 years were studied. All patients achieved union at a mean time of 9.4 ± 1.1 weeks (9-16 weeks), full weight bearing was achieved at a mean time of 9 ± 0.8 weeks (9-16 weeks). At last follow-up all the patients had full range of knee motion with an excellent outcome in 90% of patients, satisfactory outcome in 10% of patients, no patient had a poor outcome.
Conclusion: The use of Titanium Elastic Nails in treating length - stable paediatric femoral shaft fractures in children 6-11 years is associated with excellent to satisfactory outcome. It allows for early fracture healing, early return to function with minimal complications.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional outcome of the use of Titanium Elastic Nails in managing paediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 6-11 years using the Flynn scoring criteria.
Methods: Thirty patients with paediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures were recruited for this prospective, interventional study. Two nails of equal diameter were used for each fracture fixation. The patients were followed up at the 3rd, 6th and 24th week by clinical and radiographic assessment for union, pain, mal-alignment, irritation at nail entry site, surgical site infection and limb length discrepancy. The outcomes were assessed at the end of 24 weeks using the Flynn outcome scoring criteria into excellent, satisfactory or poor outcome. Data collected were analysed using Chi-square with fishers' exact corrections. Results were compared with statistical significance set at $P < 0.05$.
Results: Thirty patients within the age range of 6-11 years with a mean age of 8.6 years were studied. All patients achieved union at a mean time of 9.4 ± 1.1 weeks (9-16 weeks), full weight bearing was achieved at a mean time of 9 ± 0.8 weeks (9-16 weeks). At last follow-up all the patients had full range of knee motion with an excellent outcome in 90% of patients, satisfactory outcome in 10% of patients, no patient had a poor outcome.
Conclusion: The use of Titanium Elastic Nails in treating length - stable paediatric femoral shaft fractures in children 6-11 years is associated with excellent to satisfactory outcome. It allows for early fracture healing, early return to function with minimal complications.
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