FRACTURE OF THE FEMORAL-SHAFT IN CHILDREN - ADVANTAGES OF THE DESCENDING MEDULLARY NAILING

In a 7-year period, 70 children aged 5-15 years (mean 9.2 years) were treated for a fracture of the femoral shaft (73 fractures: 71 closed a nd 2 open) by flexible medullary nailing, either ascending (12 cases) or descending (61 cases). Although the classic treatment is use of the ascending route described by the Nancy team, the subtrochanteric desc ending route was preferred for its simplicity. Noninvolvement of the k nee by the insertion of the nail allows earlier autonomy in children. Results were satisfactory and no complications related to the method w ere observed. Biomechanical principles are also respected by such trea tment.