A Comparison of Overgrowth after Treatment for Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures: Flexible Intramedullary Nailing versus External Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Overgrowth is a common complication after the treatment of pediatric femoral fractures. However, the effect of treatment methods on the overgrowth is controversial. We compared the amount of overgrowth between flexible intramedullary nailing and external fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six children with femoral diaphyseal fractures after a minimum 2 year follow-up were enrolled in this retrospective study. Thirteen patients were treated with flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) group, and the other 13 patients were treated with external fixation (EF) group. The overgrowth of femur, clinical outcomes, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Union was obtained in all patients without major complications, except for overgrowth. Average overgrowth at the 2-year follow-up was 4 mm (-6-13 mm) in the FIN group, and 3 mm (-13-13 mm) in the EF group (p=0.532). Overgrowths of more than 10 mm were observed in four patients; three patients in the FIN group, and one in the EF group. CONCLUSION: FIN and EF showed similar amounts of overgrowth, after the treatment for pediatric femoral fractures.