Publication:

Outcome of femoral shaft fracture in paediatric age group with titanium elastic nail

Background Femoral shaft fractures are among the most serious and disruptive injuries in children, not only physically but also emotionally—for both the child and their family. Traditionally, such fractures were treated with conservative methods like traction and casting. However, with evolving medical practices and increasing emphasis on early mobility, surgical options like titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) have become more popular, especially in older children.

Methods This prospective study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kota, between December 2022 and November 2023, involving 30 children aged 4 to 14 years with femoral shaft fractures treated using TENS. We evaluated healing time, complication rates, functional outcomes, and overall effectiveness of this technique.

Results Most fractures (96%) were managed successfully with closed reduction. The average time to fracture union was 8 weeks, and most children could bear full weight by that time. By 12 weeks, nearly 90% regained full range of knee movement. Minor complications like skin irritation and superficial infection occurred in a few cases but were easily managed. Importantly, no child developed severe complications such as delayed union, non-union, or avascular necrosis.

Conclusions Using Flynn's criteria, 87% of children had excellent outcomes, while the rest had satisfactory results. No poor outcomes were observed. Our findings suggest that TENS is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective method for treating femoral shaft fractures in children, allowing quicker recovery, early mobility, and a return to normal life with minimal complications.