Comparative Study between the Elastic Nail versus Hip Spica Cast in Early Treatment of Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures

Introduction: Femoral shaft fractures are among the most common pediatric injury, which have the highest incidence among other pediatric fractures, and treatment of them carries a lot of controversies. Aim of the study: To compare the outcome of fixation of femoral shaft fracture by elastic nail with Spica cast. Patient and method: This prospective comparative study was carried out in Sulaimani Teaching Hospital, in the period from the 10th of December 2011 to the 10th of June 2012, for two groups of children whose ages were between 4 - 12 years (average 6.61 years), sustained traumatic femoral shaft fractures with follow-up period of about 6 months. The first group was consisting of 30 children treated by Elastic Intramedullary Nail, while the second group was consisted of 30 children treated by hip Spica. The selection was made on random bases. Results: Age range was between 4 - 12 years and showed male predominance in both groups with ratio of about 2:1 while fracture site showed predominance of the midshaft pattern in both groups. This study showed highly significant deference (P value of 0.001) between the two groups (Spica group of 3 days versus Nail group median of rate 4.5 days) in the admission period. Our sample showed shortening of about 2 cm in 2 case in the Nail group (6.7%) versus 6 cases (20%) in Spica group. We reported 4 cases of wound infection (13.3%) and 4 cases of pin site irritation (13.3%) in nail group. A higher rate of malunion was observed in the Spica group (10 cases more than 10° angulation in coronal plane) while the Nail group reported 2 case more than 10° in coronal plane. The mean operative time for Nail group was 55 minutes while in Spica group was 30 minutes. We reported shorter time to start mobilization and walking with support or independently in the nail group (weight bearing time 7.2 weeks) compared with the Spica casting group (weight bearing time 7.5 weeks). Conclusion: Elastic nail fixation yields better outcome for femoral shaft fracture in form of easier child handling, parent’s satisfaction, and maintaining acceptable fracture alignment.

Treatment of Displaced Mid-Clavicle Fractures by Closed Titanium Elastic Nail

Introduction: Recently, intramedullary nailing for displaced middle third fractures of clavicle has received wide attention. Though open nailing has been widely described, closed nailing finds less mention. This paper therefore aims to study the outcome of closed titanium elastic nailing for displaced mid-clavicular fractures. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study of 34 patients with displaced middle third clavicle fracture who underwent closed intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nail at a tertiary care centre. The operative time, length of incision, time for radiological union, pain and functional outcome after union were noted. Results: The mean operative time was 34.33 mins. The mean time of discharge was 2.25 days. The average time of radiological union was 10.23 weeks. All the patients achieved full, painless range of motion of the ipsilateral shoulder. The average Constant-Murley score at 12 months was 94.28 indicating excellent result. Conclusion: Closed titanium elastic nailing offers a safe and minimally invasive method of fixation for fractures of middle-third clavicle with excellent functional outcome.

Length unstable femoral fractures:A misnomer?

BACKGROUND Flexible intramedullary nailing(FIMN)is relatively contraindicated for pediatric length unstable femoral fractures.AIM To evaluate FIMN treatment outcomes for pediatric diaphyseal length unstable femoral fractures in patients aged 5 to 13 years.METHODS This retrospective study includes pediatric patients(age range 5-13 years)who received operative treatment for a diaphyseal femoral fracture at a single institution between 2013 and 2019.Length unstable femur fractures treated with FIMN were compared to treatment with other fixation methods[locked intramedullary nailing(IMN),submuscular plating(SMP),and external fixation]and to length stable fractures treated with FIMN.Exclusion criteria included patients who had an underlying predisposition for fractures(e.g.,pathologic fractures or osteogenesis imperfecta),polytrauma necessitating intensive care unit care and/or extensive management of other injuries,incomplete records,or no follow-up visits.Patients who had a length stable femoral fracture treated with modalities other than FIMN were excluded as well.RESULTS Ninety-five fractures from ninety-two patients were included in the study and consists of three groups.These three groups are length unstable fractures treated with FIMN(n=21),length stable fractures treated with FIMN(n=45),and length unstable fractures treated with either locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator(n=29).P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.Patient characteristic differences that were statistically significant between the groups,length unstable with FIMN and length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator,were average age(7.4 years vs 9.3 years,respectively),estimated blood loss(29.2 mL vs 98 mL,respectively)and body mass(27.8 kg vs 35.1 kg,respectively).All other patient characteristic differences were statistically insignificant.Regarding complications,length unstable with FIMN had 9 total complications while length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator had 10.Grouping these complications into minor or major,length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator had 6 major complication while length unstable with FIMN had 0 major complications.This difference in major complications was statistically significant.Lastly,when comparing patient characteristics between the groups,length unstable with FIMN and length stable with FIMN,all characteristics were statistically similar except time to weight bearing(39 d vs 29 d respectively).When analyzing complication differences between these two groups(9 total complications,0 major vs 20 total complications,4 major),the complication rates were considered statistically similar.CONCLUSION FIMN is effective for length unstable fractures,having a low rate of complications.FIMN is a suitable option for length stable and length unstable femur fractures alike.

Intramedullary devices in the management of Judet III and IV paediatric radial neck fractures

Purpose： The aim of this study is to discuss the results of different intramedullary devices used in the management of paediatric radial neck fractures and to suggest methods to avoid the pitfalls of the technique. Methods： Thirty patients with isolated Judet III and IV fractures were included in this prospective study. Judet I and II fractures and radial neck fractures associated with other injuries were excluded. The final results were graded using the Metaizeau functional scoring system and Oxford Elbow Score. Results： The functional result was good to excellent in 24 of 30 cases （80%）. The mean Oxford Elbow Score was 44.32. The mean follow-up was 40.11 months. The complications seen were radiocapitellar joint penetration - 6 cases at mean 4.87 weeks, redisplacement - 6, radial epiphyseal sclerosis - 5, and heterotopic ossification 1 case. Conclusion： lntramedullary K wires may result in radiocapitellar joint penetration. Titanium Elastic Nail System should not be used as purely fixation devices as they may not prevent redisplacement. Regular follow-up until at least 6 weeks is essential. Patients who have a Judet IV fracture and need open reduction should be given a guarded prognosis. The paper highlights the pitfalls of the technique and makes recommendations regarding the type of implant, follow-up and patient counselling in Judet IV fractures.