Ender nail fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Ender nail fixation in the management of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. Methods A total of 24 children with femoral shaft fracture underwent small incision Ender nail internal fixation followed by 4 weeks of monolateral hip spica-cast immobilization. Results Follow-up observations for 6~24 months revealed no non-union or delayed union. The affected limbs were found within 1 cm shorter or longer than the contralateral in 4 cases. None became lame, and the functions of lower limbs were completely recovered. Conclusions So far as indications and contra-indications of Ender nail fixation are strictly followed, this treatment for femoral shaft fractures in children of age 5~10 years gives characters of small incision, anatomic reduction, unimpaired periosteum, short hospital stay, and quick functional recovery.