RESUMEN
This prospective study was designed to evaluate using titanium elastic nails [TEN] in our children between 5 and 15 years old with femoral shaft fractures, their compliance with it, its complications, and the impact of early removal. Twenty children, 5-15 years of age, with femoral shaft fractures were studied prospectively in the department of El-Minia University Hospital in the period from February 2004 to April 2005. TEN were introduced retrograde with no postoperative external splint. The nails were removed early just after clinical union and good callus, in an average period of 2.1 months. The results were evaluated according to the scoring system proposed by Flynn et al., 2001[26]. The mean follow-up period was 8.8 months [range 6 to 12 months]. According to Flynn et al., 2001[26] the results were excellent in 16 fractures [80%], successful in 4 [20%], and no poor cases. The mean time to union was 1.9 months [range 1.5 to 5 months]. No intra-operative or post-operative complications that affect the final outcome. Only one case needed another operative interference in the form of closed reduction and application of external fixator. All fractures healed with acceptable alignment and non-significant length inequality. The use of TEN may be the preferred method for the treatment of femoral fractures in children aged 5 to 15 years as it allows early mobilization and fast return to functions. Early removal of the nails did not lead to additional complications or affection of the final outcome