Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Unstable Femoral Fractures in Children

Many femoral fracture patterns in children cannot be stabilized sufficiently by intramedullary nailing only. Such fractures may require additional cast bracing or cerclage wiring after nailing. To overcome this problem, pediatric Ender nails that can be interlocked were designed to achieve better fracture stabilization.Seventeen children (age, 2.5 to 15 years) were treated with this method for unstable traumatic fractures of the femur. The average follow-up period was 11.8 months.All fractures healed within 4 weeks in the mean. There were no major complications.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.