The Functional Outcome of Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures in Children

Abstract

Background 
 Fracture of the tibia is a common fracture among children. A method that has become popular among surgeons in recent years for treating tibial fractures is the elastic stable intramedullary nailing technique. It has many advantages compared to conventional methods in that it has faster healing, earlier weight bearing, and fewer complications.
 Objectives 
 The objective is to assess the outcome of the intramedullary nailing technique used to treat diaphyseal fractures of the tibia according to clinical and radiological measurements.
 Materials and Methods
 This prospective observational study analyzes 37 cases of fractured tibiae, aged between 4 and 11 years, treated by elastic intramedullary nailing technique. The duration of sample collection was from Aug. 1, 2020, to Feb. 1, 2022. Follow-up appointments were scheduled in weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, and 20 after the surgery, and a final follow-up after one year for removing titanium stable elastic IM nailing. The samples were analyzed by using Flynn’s criteria score system.
 Results
 86.5% of the samples scored excellently, 10.8% scored satisfactorily, and 2.7% scored poor according to Flynn’s criteria. Full weight bearing was achieved in the average time of 9.1 weeks. It was determined that there is a significant correlation between the level of fracture, time of weight bearing, the pattern of fracture, and body weight with the variables of Flynn’s criteria. 
 Conclusion
 Elastic intramedullary nailing technique is a productive approach for managing tibial fractures in children. They are less invasive, carry fewer complications, and have a high prevalence of “good” and “excellent” outcomes in pediatric patients.