[Treatment of pediatric fractures by intramedullary stable elastic pinning]

Z Unfallchir Versicherungsmed. 1994 Jul;87(2):110-8; discussion 118-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

During the past decade several new techniques for the treatment of children's fractures respecting the specificity of the growing bone have been described. The goal of all these techniques was to mechanically stabilise the fracture however to preserve a certain instability of the fracture gap itself inducing early callus formation and subsequent consolidation. The dynamic external fixation as well as the elastic stable intramedullary pinning have become accepted means in the treatment of long bone fractures in the paediatric age group. We report our experience of the last seven years with the intramedullary pinning of 105 fractures. Eighty-four were fractures of the femur, 9 of the humerus, 8 of the forearm, and a further 4 of the tibial shaft. The intramedullary elastic pinning represents a simple technique which supports or even enhances the natural process of fracture healing of the growing bone. The method is not very invasive, is cost effective, and allows short hospitalisation. Early physical activity is guaranteed due to early consolidation of the fracture. Complications are rare and the final orthopedic and cosmetic outcome is excellent.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Forearm Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Forearm Injuries / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods*
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Humeral Fractures / surgery*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Tibial Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery*