Clinical effect analysis of retrograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing in distal humerus metaphysis-diaphyseal junction fractures in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To assess the clinical effect of retrograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing(ESIN) in distal humerus metaphysis-diaphyseal junction fractures in children.Methods:A total of 14 cases of children with distal humerus metaphysis-diaphyseal junction fractures treated by retrograde ESIN in Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 9 males and 5 females, aged 3.0-13.2 years old(median 6.4 years old). Nine cases had fractures on the left side and 5 cases on the right side.Two prebent ESINs were inserted into the proximal humerus metaphysis through the humerus marrow cavity from medial and lateral sides of the distal humerus respectively after the closed/open reduction of fractures.After surgery, the shoulder abductor stent or long arm plaster was used for fixation post-operatively.X - ray examination was performed at regular post-operative follow-up.The stability of internal fixation was analyzed by measuring the Baumann angle and checking whether humeral anterior lines passed through capitulum humeri in lateral radiographs immediately after the surgery and at the last follow-up.Meanwhile, efficacy was evaluated according to Flynn functional evaluation criteria.Results:All the 14 patients in this group were followed up for 10-27 months after the operation, with an average of 18.4 months.The Baumann angle was within the normal range at both the end of the operation and the last follow-up, and no significant difference was observed.Lateral radiographs showed humeral anterior lines passed through the capitulum humeri.According to Flynn functional scores, there were 13 excellent cases and 1 good case.No wound infection, intramedullary nailing displacement, Volkmann contracture, cubital varus deformity, or iatrogenic nerve injury occurred in any of the children.Conclusion:Retrograde ESIN technique is a safe and reliable treatment for children with distal humerus metaphysis-diaphyseal junction fractures.