Elastic intramedullary nail for treatment of extremity fractures in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical therapeutic effects of elastic intramedullary nail on extremity fractures in children. METHODS: From June 2005 to March 2008, 40 children with extremity fractures were treated by elastic intramedullary nail, in whom femoral shaft fractures occurred in 26 cases, tibiofibular fractures in 8 cases, radial capitular fractures in 4 cases, ulnoradial fractures in 2 cases. All patients were treated by closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation. RESULTS: All the fractures gained satisfactory reduction and healing. The average duration needed for fracture healing was 1-2 months. Postoperative follow-up confirmed a sound functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The elastic intramedullary nail is a minimally invasive and effective surgical approach for treatment of extremity fractures in children. It allows early functional exercises after operation and secures a satisfactory bone union and functional recovery.

Coupled exofixator for comminuted fracture of humeral shaft.

OBJECTIVE: To report and assess the efficacy of a coupled exofixator in the treatment of comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft. METHODS: From June 1999 to September 2003, 24 patients with comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft were treated in our department, in whom 11 were involved in left humerus fractures and 13 in right humerus fractures. Closed reduction or open reduction with a small incision as well as a coupled exofixator was used to treat these patients. RESULTS: All cases got anatomical reduction after 6-12 months follow-up. The time for fracture union averaged 5.8 months with a good functional recovery of the shoulder-elbow joints. CONCLUSIONS: The coupled exofixator is favorable to the treatment of comminuted humeral shaft fractures. It can shorten union time and avoid nonunion occurrence.