Abstract: Introduction: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing for the treatment of pediatric femur & tibia diaphyseal fractures was introduced by pr´evot and colleagues in 1979. The technique offers several advantages, including better reduction, dynamic axial stabilization, shorter hospitalization with early rehabilitation and low rate of complications.
Methods: 30 children between ages 5 to 16 years admitted to the department of Orthopedics at Sapthagiri institute of medical science and research center, Bangalore with diaphyseal fractures of femur & tibia during the period from November 2014 to February 2016 are selected.
Results: Our series consisted of 30 patients, 18 femur & 12 tibia. 24 male and only 6 female. Most common fracture pattern of femur & tibia was spiral. 23 fractures healed within an average duration of 10 to 12 weeks following surgery. There was superficial infection in 1 case, 2 cases had lld <2cm & 1 tibia case had nail backing out proximally which was treated with second surgery for implant removal after complete union of fracture.2 cases had varus angulation & 1 case had valgus angulation. All patients had full range of knee and ankle motion in the present study and 4 (13.33%) patients had mild restriction in knee flexion at 12 weeks.
Conclusion: based on our experience and results, we conclude that elastic stable intramedullary nailing technique is an ideal method for treatment of pediatric femur & tibial diaphyseal fractures.
