Evaluation of Complications from Stainless-Steel Flexible Intramedullary Nailing in Children's Femoral Shaft Fractures and Recommendations for Continued Use

Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2017 May 10;19(3):263-271.

Abstract

[b]Background.[/b] Flexible intramedullary nailing is currently considered the treatment of choice for femoral diaphyseal fractures in school-aged children. The purpose of our study was to critically evaluate and analyze the complications of stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral shaft fractures. (mean age, 8.2 years) with a femoral shaft fracture treated with stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing from January 1, 2009 to July 31, 2015 and evaluated for complications.[b]Results.[/b] All fractures united in a mean time of 9.2 weeks. Minor complications were noted in 19 patients, and major complications were noted in two patients. The Flynn score was excellent in 74 patients, satisfactory in 23 patients, and poor in three patients.[b]Conclusions.[/b] 1. Stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral shaft fractures is associated with minimal complications. 2. These complications are not related to the alloy of the implant and are mostly due to the long nail end; these complications can be prevented easily. 3. Stainless steel flexible intramedullary nailing is also cost effective, and we recommend its use be enhanced for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children.

Keywords: Flexible intramedullary nailing; children; complications; femur fracture.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Nails / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods*
  • Fracture Healing / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Stainless Steel*

Substances

  • Stainless Steel