Functional Outcome of Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures Treated with Titanium Elastic Nail in Paediatric Age Group (05 To 15 Years)
Abstract
Femoral shaft fractures are very demanding injuries to the patients and their families. Majority of cases occurs in children and adolescents. Titanium elastic nailing is one of the operative procedures for treatment of such fractures. So this present study was conducted on 30 diaphyseal femoral fracture patients aged 05-15 years treated with Titanium elastic nailing with the aim to assess the functional outcome of such cases in western Rajasthan scenario. It was found that. average time of union was found 6.33 weeks, average period of full weight bearing was 7.66 weeks and with average time 6.4 weeks. So it conclude that fracture of femur treated with Titanium Elastic Nailing has very good results that Titanium Elastic Nailing is an ideal device to treat pediatric femoral shaft fractures between age group 5-15 years.
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Introduction
Femoral shaft fractures are demanding and disabling injuries both to the patients and to the family. Peak incidence of this fracture occur at 2 & 17 years of age in a bimodal distribution and boys have a 2.6 times greater incidence than girls.1
The treatment of paediatric femoral shaft fractures depends on several factors age, fracture, pattern, and associated bone and soft tissue injuries. A variety of therapeutic alternatives such as external fixator, compression plating, rigid intramedullary nailing and elastic stable intramedullary nailing are being used for femoral shaft fractures in children. Operative treatment results in shorter hospitalization and early mobilization, which has psychological, social, educational and economic advantages over conservative treatment.
Flynn et al (2001)2 stated that the ideal device to treat paediatric femoral shaft fractures would be a simple, load sharing internal splint allowing mobilization and maintenance of alignment for a few weeks until bridging callus forms. The device would also allow rapid healing and ability to remodel without risking the physis or blood supply to the femoral head. Flexible nailing meets the requirements of this ideal device (Flynn et al 2001).7 Thus the aim to fix fractures of diaphysis of femur in children with intramedullary nails is to encourage formation of bridging periosteal callus.
Flexible nails is simple, safe, minimal invasive, appears to have few applications, does not interfere with growth and is associated with shorter hospital stay and rapid return to daily activities and school.
Conclusion
This study conclude that fracture of femur treated with Titanium Elastic Nailing has very good results i.e. average time of union was found 6.33 weeks, average period of full weight bearing was 7.66 weeks and with average time 6.4 weeks. This concludes that Titanium Elastic Nailing is an ideal device to treat pediatric femoral shaft fractures between age group 5-15 years.