Clinical study of surgical management of paediatric diaphyseal fractures of femur by Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS)

Abstract

Femoral shaft fractures are the most common major paediatric injuries managed by the orthopedic surgeon. Non-surgical management, usually with early spica cast application, is preferred in younger children. In the older child, traction followed by casting, external fixation, flexible IM Nails and plate fixation have specific indications. Potential complications of treatment include shortening, angular or rotational deformity, delayed union, Nonunion, over growth, skin problems and scarring. Risks of surgical management includes re-fractures after external fixator or plate removal, osteonecrosis after rigid IM nails fixation and soft tissue irritation caused by ends of flexible nails.