Abstract
BACKGROUND
Approximately, one percent of all fractures in children are femur shaft fractures. Enders nailing needs minimal instrumentation like hammer, bone awl twisting guider and hook for extraction. This modality of treatment truly surpasses the need by avoiding post-operative casting. Early mobilisation prevents joint and muscle stiffness/ contractures and also avoids plaster disuse.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A study of 30 patients who had fractures of various long bones in children were undertaken in Guntur Medical College and Government General Hospital, Guntur from May 2012 to April 2014. Cases were selected on the basis of fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study consists of surgical management of various long-bone fractures in children by flexible, multiple Enders nails.
RESULTS
About 57% (n= 17) belonged to 7 - 12 years' age group and 13 cases (43.3%) were from 2 - 6 years' age group. Two-thirds (n= 20) were males and one-third (10 cases) were females. All the fractures united within 4 months after operation. Anatomical results: Excellent results were obtained in 70% cases, whereas 16.7% patients had good anatomical results. 13.3% patients had fair results. Functional results: Good-to-excellent results were obtained in 86.7% of patients and 13.3% patients had fair results.
CONCLUSION
We were surprised by the versatility of the Enders nailing, as it provides a solution to many fractures that would have been difficult for internal fixation by any other method.