Diaphyseal forearm fractures in children treated with intramedullary fixation: outcome of K-wire versus elastic stable intramedullary nail

Intramedullary fixation of children's diaphyseal forearm fractures is becoming the surgical technique of choice, in those cases that warrant surgical intervention. This method offers both technical advantages and patient benefits over alternative techniques and implants that have been used in the past. We present a two-centre study assessing the outcome of either Kirschner wires or elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) as the method of fracture stabilisation in such diaphyseal forearm fractures.A total of 36 children underwent K-wire fixation and 24 children underwent ESIN fixation. All fractures united with no resultant subjective disability. The complication rate following K-wires was 16% and that following nail fixation 9%. Loss of forearm rotation was documented in four children in the K-wire group and three children stabilised with nails.These results confirm an excellent outcome following intramedullary fixation. We have demonstrated no difference in outcome between K-wires and ESIN, although the nails do offer some theoretical advantages.     

Intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of femoral fracture in children

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children. Methods We report the results of intramedullary K-wires nailing in 178 children with a mean age of 7.7 years (range, 4–14 years) from 2000 to 2005, retrospectively. A total of 184 diaphyseal femoral fractures were treated with both antegrade and retrograde nailing using the same principles of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The patients were followed for 12 months on average (range, 6–24 months). Results No major complication (limb length discrepancy >15 mm, non-union, avascular necrosis, knee joint stiffness) occurred during the observation period. All fractures healed within 7.1 weeks on average (range, 5–12 weeks). Associated injuries were seen in 16.9% of the cases. All but seven fractures were reduced by closed manipulation. Early mobilization and weight bearing was allowed. Intramedullary K-wires were removed after an average of 4.8 months (range, 3–12 months) without any complications. Conclusions In children, intramedullary fixation by using standard K-wires provides effective treatment for the diaphyseal femoral fracture that has excellent clinical results. Each intramedullary K-wire costs US $5, which adds a cost effective advantage to this method of treatment.     

Nancy nailing of diaphyseal forearm fractures. Single bone fixation for fractures of both bones

We identified 25 children (10 girls and 15 boys) who had been treated with single bone intramedullary fixation for diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones. Their mean age was 10.75 years (4.6 to 15.9). All had a good functional outcome. We conclude that in selected children, single bone intramedullary nailing is a suitable method of treatment for diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the forearm.     

Elastic intramedullary nailing of paediatric fractures of the forearm: a decade of experience in a teaching hospital in the United Kingdom

We present the results of 90 consecutive children with displaced fractures of the forearm treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing with a mean follow-up of 6.6 months (2.0 to 17.6). Eight (9%) had open fractures and 77 (86%) had sustained a fracture of both bones. The operations were performed by orthopaedic trainees in 78 patients (86%). All fractures healed at a mean of 2.9 months (1.1 to 8.7). There was one case of delayed union of an ulnar fracture. An excellent or good functional outcome was achieved in 76 patients (84%). There was no statistical difference detected when the grade of operating surgeon, age of the patient and the diaphyseal level of the fracture were correlated with the outcome. A limited open reduction was required in 40 fractures (44%). Complications included seven cases of problematic wounds, two transient palsies of the superficial radial nerve and one case each of malunion and a post-operative compartment syndrome. At final follow-up, all children were pain-free and without limitation of sport and play activities. Our findings indicate that the functional outcome following paediatric fractures of the forearm treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing is good, without the need for anatomical restoration of the radial bow.     

Intramedullary Nailing of Humeral Head and Humeral Shaft Fractures

Abstract There is an increasing interest in intramedullary nailing for humeral fractures. Starting with diaphyseal fractures, now also proximal metaphyseal fractures of the humerus can be nailed with satisfying results. Basic ideas for humeral nailing are less invasive approaches to the humerus, less soft tissue damage, e.g. lower rates of radial nerve palsy, closed reduction and the biomechanical aspects of a central implant with elastic fixation properties. Nailing of diaphyseal humeral shaft fractures is an equivalent alternative to plating; nailing of proximal metaphyseal humeral fractures is still new and needs more reliable scientific data to clear its advantages compared to other fixation techniques. Nailing of distal metaphyseal humeral fractures is no serious option at the moment. Angular stable interlocking systems show better fixation qualities for proximal fractures or fracture components. Although in very osteoporotic bone cutouts are registered. Static interlocking is advisable. High torsional stability of the fracture fixation has to be achieved, since significant torsional load occurs during the usual movement of the upper limbs. As there is an important learning curve, possible complications of intramedullary nailing have to be kept in mind and avoided by a careful operation technique.     

Radius-only intramedullary nailing for both-bones diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

Both-bones diaphyseal forearm fractures are common injuries in the paediatric age group and are potentially unstable. Both-bones intramedullary nailing for these fractures is a minimally invasive procedure that maintains alignment, and promotes rapid bony healing. Good results have also been shown with single-bone fixation. We report our experience in treating these common injuries with radius-only intramedullary nailing in 29 children. The clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. There were 9 girls and 20 boys; the mean age at the time of operation was 9 years (range: 5 to 17 years). Closed reduction was achieved in 21 patients, while eight patients required open reduction. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.8 months (range: 4 to 12 months). All fractures achieved clinical and radiological union at 6-8 weeks. Radius-only intramedullary nailing is a sufficient and effective option in treating both bones paediatric forearm displaced unstable type AO 22-A3 fractures, with excellent functional outcome and union rates.     

Operative treatment of tibial fractures in children: are elastic stable intramedullary nails an improvement over external fixation?

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of tibial fractures in children requires implants that do not violate open physes while maintaining tibial length and alignment. Both elastic stable intramedullary nails and external fixation can be utilized. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with these two techniques to determine if one is superior to the other. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the operative records and trauma registries of three institutions within our hospital system and identified thirty-five consecutive patients with open physes who had undergone operative treatment of a tibial fracture between April 1997 and June 2004. Four patients were excluded because they had been managed with locked intramedullary nails or with pins and plaster. Of the thirty-one remaining patients, sixteen had been managed with elastic stable intramedullary nails and fifteen had been managed with unilateral external fixation. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared. The functional outcomes were compared with use of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument. Complications related to treatment, such as malunion, delayed union, nonunion, infection, and the need for subsequent surgical treatment also were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with thirty-one operatively treated tibial fractures were available for evaluation. Fifteen patients had been managed with external fixation. Seven of these patients had a closed fracture, and eight had an open fracture. There were seven healing complications in this group, including two delayed unions, three nonunions, and two malunions. Sixteen patients had been managed with elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Eleven patients had a closed fracture, and five had an open fracture. The mean time to union for the intramedullary nailing group (seven weeks) was significantly shorter than that for the external fixation group (eighteen weeks) (p < 0.01). The functional outcomes for the intramedullary nailing group were significantly better than those for the external fixation group in the categories of pain, happiness, sports, and global function (the mean of the mean scores of the first four categories) (p < 0.01 for these comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: When surgical stabilization of tibial fractures in children is indicated, we believe that the preferred method of fixation is with elastic stable intramedullary nailing.     

两种方法治疗大龄儿童肱骨外科颈骨折的疗效比较

目的观察大龄儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折经闭合复位逆向弹性髓内针内固定以及克氏针内固定两种不同手术方法的临床疗效对比。 方法回顾性分析十堰市人民医院创伤骨科从2016年5月至2018年12月2.5年间符合纳入标准的手术内固定治疗的儿童及青少年移位型肱骨外科颈骨折45例患者，按照内固定方法分为两组：逆向弹性髓内针内固定23例(弹性髓内针组)；闭合复位克氏针内固定22例(克氏针组)。采用t检验或卡方检验分析骨折愈合时间，肩关节功能评分、并发症个数及优良率。 结果所有病例骨折均达到良好愈合，骨折愈合时间为(8.0±2.1)周。术后6周两组功能评分弹性髓内针组优于克氏针组(t＝5.295，P<0.05)；术后3个月功能评分无明显差异(P>0.05)。88.9%患者肩关节功能均达到了优良效果，两组优良率无明显差异(X²＝0，P>0.05)。弹性髓内针组有1例出现桡神经挫伤，2例出现弹性髓内针穿出；4例出现复位再丢失。但克氏针内固定组出现了克氏针松动、脱落4例；骨折复位丢失3例；无血管神经损伤并发症。 结论采用逆向弹性髓内针及克氏针内固定治疗儿童移位型肱骨外科颈骨折，都是微创、有效的治疗方法，值得临床推广运用。术者应选择熟悉的手术方法避免并发症。     

Intraoperative radiation exposure in displaced supracondylar humeral fractures: a comparison of surgical methods

Crossed K-wires, descending elastic stable intramedullary nailing and radial external fixator are alternatives in the operative treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures. Only little knowledge of intraoperative radiation exposure exists in those procedures. We found average image intensifier times of 30.7 s for K-wires, 41.4 s for the external fixator and 80.0 s for elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Extensively increased fluoroscopy times was seen in cases switched from closed to open reduction intraoperatively. To avoid unnecessary intraoperative radiation exposure for patient, surgeon and staff, limits of radiation time are recommended as an additional indicator to change the surgical procedure to another fixation method or open reduction.     

Comparison of intramedullary nailing to plating for both-bone forearm fractures in older children

BACKGROUND: When operative stabilization of forearm fractures in older children is necessary, the optimal method of fixation is controversial. This study compared the radiographic and functional outcomes of intramedullary nailing to plating of forearm fractures in children between 10 and 16 years of age. METHODS: Thirty-one patients who underwent operative fixation of midshaft radius and ulna fractures were divided into nailing and plating groups and were compared retrospectively according to perioperative data and patient outcome measures (fracture union at 3 and 6 months, loss of forearm rotation, restoration of radial bow magnitude and location, and complication rates). RESULTS: The nailing group had 19 patients, with a mean age of 12.5 years (range, 10-14.6 years), and the plating group had 12, with a mean age of 14.5 years (range, 11.9-16 years). Groups were similar for sex, arm injured, fracture location, Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification, and number of open fractures. Duration of surgery and tourniquet use were significantly shorter in the nailing group (P = 0.037 and 0.001, respectively). No differences were found between the groups for fracture union at 3 or 6 months. At latest follow-up, radial bow magnitude was similar for the 2 groups and restored to normal in both. Radial bow location in the nailing group was significantly different from the reported normal values (P = 0.001). Despite this, there was no difference in loss of forearm rotation between groups. Complication rates were also similar between groups, with 1 ulna nonunion, 1 compartment syndrome, and 2 refractures in the nailing group and 1 radius and ulna nonunion, 1 broken plate, and 2 refractures in the plating group. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Based on similar functional and radiographic outcomes, nailing of length-stable forearm fractures remains an equally effective method of fixation in skeletally immature patients 10 to 16 years of age when compared with plating and is our treatment of choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III--retrospective comparative study.     

前臂交锁髓内钉治疗尺桡骨粉碎骨折的临床研究

目的探讨应用前臂交锁髓内钉治疗尺桡骨粉碎性骨折的可行性及其疗效。方法应用前臂交锁髓内钉采用切开或闭合复位技术治疗尺桡骨粉碎性骨折18例,男15例,女3例;年龄32～63岁,平均42岁。骨折按AO分型,A 1型4例,A 2型1例,A 3型2例,B 2型1例,B 3型3例,C 2型3例,C 3型4例。手术均在伤后1周内进行。结果所有病例术后随访8～10个月,骨折愈合时间8～16周,平均12周。所有患者均未发生骨不连、术后感染及桡神经深支损伤病例;术后有2例前臂旋转功能恢复欠佳,1例骨折延迟愈合,其余患者功能恢复满意。根据B erton评定标准进行评价,优10例,良5例,可2例,差1例,优良率为83.3%。结论应用前臂交锁髓内钉技术治疗尺桡骨骨折,具有手术创伤小、固定牢靠、骨折愈合率高、功能恢复快等优点,是治疗前臂骨折较理想的手术方法,尤其适用于多段骨折、粉碎性骨折。     

Intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation of open or unstable forearm fractures in children.

This retrospective review evaluates the efficacy of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of open or unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in 32 children with a mean follow-up of 13 months. Thirty-one patients had an excellent result, and one patient had a good result. Average time to bridging cortex was 3 months. Four patients lacked full pronation and supination, with none lacking >20 degrees, and no patients had evidence of growth-plate arrest. Nine complications occurred in eight patients: lost reduction after K-wire removal (three), refracture (two), deep infection (one), pin-site infection (one), transient anterior interosseous nerve palsy (one), and skin ulcer over buried K-wire (one). Both infections occurred in cases in which the K-wire ends were left outside the skin. Each case of lost reduction occurred in single-bone fixation cases when the K-wires were removed before 4 weeks. In children, intramedullary fixation by using standard K-wires plus cast immobilization provides effective treatment for the problematic open or unstable diaphyseal forearm fracture when closed management has failed. Refinement of the technique may help to avoid complications. We now recommend burying the K-wires under the skin for 3-5 months and stabilizing both the radius and ulna with an intramedullary K-wire.     

AO接骨板与Sanatmetal髓内钉固定治疗尺桡骨单节段双骨折的比较

目的比较加压接骨板与髓内钉固定对闭合性尺桡骨干单节段双骨折的治疗效果。方法 2005年1月至2008年12月,30例闭合性尺桡骨干单节段双骨折分别采用AO接骨板与Sanatmetal髓内钉手术内固定治疗。其中18例行AO接骨板内固定;12例行Sanatmetal髓内钉内固定。骨折分型均为AO：A3型。比较两组手术时间,手术出血量,骨折愈合时间,前臂旋转功能和并发症情况。结果髓内钉组在手术时间与出血量上明显少于接骨板螺钉组,两者有明显差异;而在骨折愈合时间,前臂旋转功能方面无统计学差异。结论髓内钉在治疗成人尺桡骨单节段双骨折中,具有微创,手术时间短,二期取出方便等优点。但治疗效果无明显差异;治疗效果更多取决于术者的经验和骨折类型。     

Diaphyseal Femur Fracture in Pycnodysostosis Treated with Pennig Wrist External Fixator: a Case Study

Abstract Background: Although an increased tendency towards pathologic fractures has been described in patients with pycnodysostosis, little data is available with respect to fracture management in this unique group of patients. Case Study: Our case study illustrates the technical difficulties and possible alternatives in the management of a diaphyseal femur fracture in a 6-year-old child with pycnodysostosis. Conservative management with plaster cast and surgical treatment with elastic stable intramedullary nailing both failed. A wrist external fixation device (Pennig, Rx medical) proved to be adequate and led to complete union of the fracture. Conclusion: The Pennig wrist external fixation device offers an excellent treatment option in children with pycnodysostosis who develop a transverse diaphyseal femur fracture.     

Systematic review: Functional outcomes and complications of intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

Background

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures constitute up to 5.4% of all fractures in children in the United Kingdom. Most can be managed with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Surgical fixation options include flexible intramedullary nailing and plating. However, the optimal method is controversial. The main purpose of this study was to systematically search for and critically appraise articles comparing functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes and complications of nailing and plating for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children under 18 years.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases using specific search terms and limits was conducted. Articles identified were thoroughly screened using strict eligibility criteria and eight retrospective non-randomised comparative studies were identified and reviewed.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in functional outcome or time to fracture union between plating and IM nailing. No consistent difference was found in complication rate, fracture angulation, shortening or rotation. Better cosmesis and shorter duration of surgery was noted in the IM nailing group. Post-operative radial bow was significantly abnormal in the IM nailing groups, but did not affect forearm movement.

Conclusion

Based on similar functional and radiographic outcomes, nailing seems to be a safe and effective option when compared to plating for paediatric forearm fractures. However, critical appraisal of the studies in this review identified some methodological deficiencies and further prospective, randomised trials are recommended.     

Hypertrophic nonunion of the ulna in a child: treatment with an elastic stable intramedullary nail without bone graft

Nonunion following diaphyseal forearm fracture is an uncommon complication in children. Compression plate fixation with bone grafting has been the standard method to treat this complication. We report a case of hypertrophic nonunion of the ulna in a child who was treated surgically using an elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) without bone grafting. The nonunion healed 4 months after surgery.     

Distal tibial fracture below a total knee arthroplasty: retrograde intramedullary nailing as an alternative method of treatment: a case report

An 85-year-old woman with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic venous insufficiency with underlying venous stasis who sustained a fall in her house presented to the emergency room with a displaced distal diaphyseal tibial fracture and a stable total knee arthroplasty. At her third day of admission, an intramedullary nail was inserted in a retrograde fashion through the calcaneus and talus into her tibial shaft to stabilize the fracture; there were no postoperative complications. Three years after surgery, the patient remains pain-free, the fracture had united, and her functional status is the same as it was before the fracture. There are different options for solving these types of fractures. Nonoperative, external fixation, conventional or locking plates and antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing could be used; however, they should be weighed against the particular issues of the patient involved. We think that a retrograde nailing technique through the calcaneotalotibial axis could be an alternative method for these types of fractures in a fragile patient with important comorbidities with few complications and good functional outcome.     

Intramedullary wire fixation for unstable forearm fractures in children

Displaced fractures of the diaphyseal forearm in children are often treated conservatively, but there is relatively high incidence of redisplacement, malunion and consequent limitation of function. This retrospective study was performed to determine means for minimalising the complications of intramedullary Kirschner (K)-wire fixation used in the treatment of unstable, diaphyseal forearm fractures by pointing out those which most frequently occur with this treatment choice. This treatment method was applied in 48 children with a mean age of 10.3 (range, 5-14) years. A limited open reduction to one or both bones was necessary for insertion of the intramedullary wire in 20 (40%) patients. Although 24 complications, such as pin site infection, loss of forearm rotation, superficial branch of radial nerve palsy, delayed union, nonunion, hardware migration, and K-wire penetration to the opposite cortex, were recorded in 18 patients, 46 patients (96%) had excellent or good, 1 patient (2%) had fair and 1 patient (2%) had poor outcome using the grading scheme adapted by Price. Except for the patient in whom the fracture was not united, the average union time was 6.3 weeks in children less than 10 years and 7.8 weeks in those above 10 years of age. Despite these minor complications, percutaneous intramedullary fixation with K-wires and proper technique is an appropriate, effective and safe operation for unstable diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in children who cannot be treated by closed manipulation.     

Flexible intramedullary nailing of displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children

INTRODUCTION: This study analyses the results of 50 displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children treated with flexible intramedullary nailing. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2002 we treated 50 children aged between 5 and 15 years, with diaphyseal fractures of the forearm using Flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN). Both bones were fractures in 45 patients, radius only in 4 and ulna only in 1. The indications for fixation were instability (26), re-displacement (20), and open fractures (4). RESULTS: 24 patients were reduced closed, followed by nailing, while 26 fractures required open reduction of either one bone(16 cases) or both bones(10 cases) prior to nailing. Bony union of all fractures was achieved by an average of 7 weeks (range 6 weeks to 4 months) with one delayed union. Pronation was restricted by an average of 20 degrees in 9 patients. Two patients developed post operative compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy. Three patients were lost to follow-up. INTERPRETATION: FIN led to early bony union with acceptable bony alignment in all 47 patients available at final follow-up. We therefore recommend FIN for the treatment of unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.     

Single-bone intramedullary fixation of unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children leads to increased re-displacement: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Introduction

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children can be stabilised without cast by a flexible intramedullary nail in both the radius and the ulna. Adequate results with single-bone fixation combined with a complementary cast are also reported. However, because those results are based on a selection of children, this trial investigates whether single-bone intramedullary fixation, compared with both-bone intramedullary fixation, results in similar pronation and supination in children with an unstable diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture.

Materials and methods

In four Dutch hospitals, 24 consecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture were randomly allocated to single-bone or both-bone intramedullary fixation. Primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination 9 months after initial trauma. Secondary outcomes were limitation of flexion/extension of wrist/elbow, complication rate, operation time, cosmetics of the fractured arm, complaints in daily life, and assessment of radiographs.

Results

Between January 2006 and August 2010, 11 children were randomised to single-bone fixation and 13 to both-bone fixation. In the both-bone fixation group, two fractures were stabilized by only one nail. In both groups, median limitation of pronation/supination at 9-month follow-up was 5°–10°. In both groups operation time was similar but in the single-bone fixation group cast immobilisation was longer (median of 37 vs. 28 days). In four children, re-displacement of the fracture occurred in those fractures without an intramedullary nail.

Conclusions

These results caution against the use of single-bone fixation in all both-bone forearm fractures. This method may lead to increased re-displacement and reduced clinical results.