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.