Minimally invasive (Titanium elastic nailing system) operative technique in pediatric both bone forearm fractures

Abstract

Background: Both bone forearm fracture in paediatric population is one of the most common fractures encountered. Here we present a prospective study conducted to evaluate radiographic & functional outcome of paediatric both bone forearm fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing systems. Methods: In our prospective study we included 18 patients who were between 6 – 15 years, admitted during October 2019 to June 2020 in Chamarajanagar institute of medical sciences & Karwar institute of medical sciences, patients were included according to inclusion & exclusion criteria. All patients were operated under appropriate anaesthesia. Outcome was evaluated using price et al. criteria. All the patients were operated using minimally invasive system (titanium elastic nailing). Results: we included 18 patients, out of which 13 (72.2%) were male & 5(27.7%) were female with male predominance, 10 (55.5%) patients had displaced fracture, 8 (44.4%) had loss of reduction due to unstable & irreducible fracture. 15 (83.3%) patients had right side involvement & 3(16.7%) had left side involvement, closed reduction & internal fixation done in 14 (77.7%) patients were as 4 (22.2%) patients were treated with minimal open reduction & internal fixation, due to irreducibility. Depending on location of fracture 16(88.8%) were in middle 1/3rd, 2(11.1%) were in distal 1/3rd. patients were analysed depending on Price et al. criteria in whom 15 had excellent, 2 had good, 1 had fair result due to local infection & implant prominence. Patients were regularly evaluated at 4, 8 & 12 weeks, finally at 6 months. Union was seen in an average around 4 – 6 weeks. Conclusions: Minimally invasive technique (Titanium elastic nails) for paediatric forearm fractures revealed several advantages, a small incision for insertion, a low rate of complications, good bone healing, and good clinical and radiological results thus achieving maximum range of motion at the earliest.