Ulhas Sonar et. al. COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN USE OF STAINLESS STEEL ENDERS NAILS AND TITANIUM ELASTIC NAILS FOR TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF SHAFT FEMUR IN CHILDREN

Objectives: To compare results of Enders and titanium elastic intramedullary nailing for treatment of fractures of shaft femur in children between 5-15 years. Method: Twenty patients between age group of 5-15 years were treated with stainless steel Enders nailing and twenty patients of same age group were treated with titanium elastic nailing. Results were compared using Flynn etal 2001 criteria. Results: Average operative time was 36.2 minutes for Enders and 34.6minutes for titanium nailing. Average hospital stay was 6.21 days for Enders and 7.4 days titanium nailing. Average union time was 9.44 weeks in Enders and 9.52 weeks in titanium group. Average full weight bearing was achieved after 10.28 weeks in Enders and after 10.21 weeks in titanium group. Average full range of motion was achieved after 9.97weeks in Enders and after 9.50weeks in titanium group. Nail exterioration, nail irritation, superficial infection and asymptomatic lengthening were complications. Sixteen patients of Enders and fifteen of titanium group had excellent result as per Flynn etal2001 criteria. Rest had satisfactory results. There were no poor results. It indicated similar results in both groups. Conclusion: We found no statistically significant difference in outcomes of fractures treated with either method in clinical setting. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.