Role of elastic stable intramedullary nail in the surgical management of diaphyseal fracture femur in children

Introduction: Femoral shaft fractures account for 1.6% of all paediatric injuries. In children 5 years or younger, early closed reduction and application of spica cast is an ideal treatment for most diaphyseal fracture. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures in the skeletally immature has gained widespread popularity because of its clinical effectiveness and low risk of complications. Material and method: The present study consisted of 25 cases with diaphyseal femoral fracture of either sex within age group 5-16 years, admitted in Orthopaedic Department, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital attached to Govt. Medical College, Amritsar and were treated with elastic stable intramedullary nail. Inclusion criteria:  Children and adolescent patients from 5 to 16 years with diphyseal femur fracture.  Children of both sexes were included in the study.  Children with only closed diaphyseal femoral were included fractures.  Patients otherwise fit for surgery were included. Results: In our study excellent results were obtained in 72% cases and satisfactory in remaining 28% cases. Conclusion: Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) is an ideal method for treatment of paediatric femoral fractures as it gives adequate stability with elastic mobility promoting early union at fracture site without loss of reduction