Elastic stable intramedullary mailing for unstable femoral fractures in children: Preliminary results of a new method

Background: Many femoral fracture patterns in children cannot be stabilized sufficiently by intramedullary nailing only. Such fractures may require ad ditional cast bracing or cerclage wiring after nailing. To overcome this pr oblem, pediatric Ender nails that can be interlocked were designed to achie ve better fracture stabilization, Method: Seventeen children (age, 2.5 to 15 years) were treated with this me thod for unstable traumatic fractures of the femur. The average follow-up p eriod was 11.8 months. Results: All fractures healed within 4 weeks in the mean. There were no maj or complications. Conclusion: This new method prevents shortening and axial deviation of the fractured femur. Start of postoperative mobilization and increase of weight -bearing is mainly determined by the child.