SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC LONG BONE FRACTURES OF LOWER LIMB BY TITANIUM ELASTIC NAIL S

Aim : To demonstrate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation of displaced long bones shaft fractures in skeletally immature children using the elastic stable intramedullary nails. Materials And Methods : The study was conducted from October 2012 to April 2015in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Warangal. We included Twenty eight pediatric patients(20 male and 8 female), who underwent surgical fixation of 30 long bone fractures by TENS were included in this prospective study. The average age of the st udy group was 9.8years and mean follow - up was 24 months. There were 12 femoral, 18 tibial fractures included in 28 patients and subjective satisfaction was assessed. Results : Road traffic accident was the main mode of injuries. The most common long bone fr acture was femur40% and 60% tibia fracture. Pattern of fracture 33.3% transverse,13.3%communited,20% oblique,26.7% spiral, 6.7% segmental. Level of fracture 80% middle third. Time interval between trauma and surgery was average 3.65 days. Average duration is 50.20 min. Average duration of immobilization is 7.2 wks. Duration of stay in hospital was 10.25 days. Time of union is 10.35 weeks. Time of wt bearing in present study is 11.8 wks. Follow up done for period of 24weeks. According to Flynn’s criteria, 89 % of patients were excellent and 11% satisfied; no patients reported their outcome as not satisfied. Conclusion: On the basis of results Titanium Elastic Nailing is the best method of choice for the management of long bone fractures in children, because it s elastic mobility promoting rapid union at fractures site. It allows early mobilization with lower complication rate .