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 reduc-tion 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.