Özet:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the func­tional and radiological results of the application of intra­medullary fixation with elastic titanium nails in unstable femoral fractures and to determine the factors affecting these results. Methods: A total of 32 patients aged 4-17 years treated with intramedullary elastic nails for a femoral diaphysis fracture between 2001 and 2014 were included. The frac­ture was left side in 12 cases, right side in 18 and bilateral in 2. The fracture pattern was determined as fragmented in 11 cases, short oblique in 11, transverse in 8 and spi­ral in 4. The same surgical technique and postoperative care was applied to all the patients. Sagittal and coronal angle measurements were made from postoperative and follow-up anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs. The mean follow-up period was 54 months (12-156 months). Positive union criteria were accepted as pain-free weight-bearing and callus bridging in at least 3 cortices seen on direct radiographs. Results: Union was achieved in all except one patient. They were able to return to previous activities with full knee and hip joint range of movement. Radiologically, the mean time to union was determined as 9 weeks (range, 6-16 weeks). Limb shortness was determined in 5 (14%) patients. No significant association was detected be­tween shortness and fracture pattern. No varus or valgus angulation of >10˚ was determined in any patient. Conclusion: Application of titanium elastic nails in pe­diatric femoral diaphysis fractures is a comfortable, eco­nomic, and reliable method which is allows early weight-bearing.

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