Determine the Mean Duration of Union in Femoral Shaft Fracture in Children Treated with Elastic Intra-Medullary Nailing

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the functional outcomes and mean duration of union in femoral shaft fracture in children treated with elastic intra-medullary nailing. Study Design:Retrospective Place and Duration: Conducted at Orthopaedic Unit Ayub Medical Teaching Institute Abbottabad and District Headquarter Teaching Hospital Gomal Medical College Dera Ismail Khan for duration from May 2020 to January 2021 (09 months). Methods: Total sixty eight patients with age ranges between 5-12 years were presented in this study. Patients detailed demographics age, sex and BMI were calculated after taking informed written consent. Complete patients were treated with elastic intramedullary nailing. Radiological assessment was done. Mean union time and complications associated to procedure were examined. Functional outcomes were analyzed according to the Flyn’s criteria. Follow-up was taken at 8 months postoperatively. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 22.0 version. Results: Out of 68 patients, there were 48 (68.6%) males and 20 (31.4%) females. Most of the patients 41 (60.35) were aged between 8-12 years and the rest 27 (39.65%) were between 5-8 years.34 (50%) fractures were caused because of road accidents, falling from height were 20 (29.41%), due to sports were 10 (14.70%) and 4 (5.9%) were due to simple fall. 32 (47.06%) patients had left side fracture and 36 (52.94%) had right side fracture. Mean union time among patients was 4.14±2.72 months and there was no any case of non union. According to Flyn’s criteria, 50 (73.53%) cases had excellent results, 14 (20.6%) patients had good and fair results were among 4 (5.9%) cases. Complications were observed bone stiffness, delayed union and varus deformity among all cases. Conclusion: We concluded in this study thatElastic intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures in children is safe and effective treatment modality. Union of bone achieved all the patients and majority of patients had excellent functional outcomes. Keywords: Femoral shaft fractures, Children, Elastic intra-medullary nail