Paediatric Femur Fractures Treated by Ender抯 Nail � A Prospective Study of 15 Cases

ABSTRACT

Background: The most common major Paediatric injuries treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons are Femoral Shaft Fractures. Early reduction and hip spica are used to treat young children under five years old, whereas intramedullary interlocking nail is used to treat young teenagers over 15 years old. Objectives: To know prevalence of Femoral Fractures in paediatric age groups, to classify fracture type, mode of injury, course of healing and to evaluate the result of low cost-least invasive Ender抯 Nail Fixation in Paediatric patients in developing country. Materials and Methods: It is prospective study with 15 patients of 6-15 years age group with Femur Diaphyseal Fracture were treated with retrograde Ender抯 Nail in our Orthopaedic Department with minimum 6 months follow up. Fracture location was in the upper third of the femur in four cases (26.66%), mid shaft in nine (60%) and (13.34%) lower third in two. Results: All patients had union within an average of twelve weeks (8 to 16 weeks ). Skin irritation caused by a nail was found in one case. Twelve patients achieved excellent results, while three individuals good results, according to Flynn criteria. Conclusion: Enders nailing is recommended for Femoral Diaphyseal Fracture Fixation because it is safe, simple to apply and economical with a lower rate of complications.