The outcome of titanium elastic nail fixation of pediatric long bone fractures – a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives Titanium Elastic Nails (TENs) in the surgical management of pediatric long bone fractures (LBF) have emerged as a pivotal technique. This study aimed to report experience with this technique for managing pediatric LBF at the Orthopaedic Department of Samtah General Hospital. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using the pediatric LBF patients treated with TENs at the hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Data regarding demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture patterns, time to achieve union, and functional outcome was extracted from their medical charts. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Flynn et al. criteria. Results A total of 26 patients, four females and 22 males, were included in the study, and the mean age was 9.6 years (6-16 years). Fractures analyzed were radius and ulna (n=12), femur (n=8), tibia (n=5), and isolated ulna (n=1). The most frequent cause was self-fall (n=17). The average time to achieve fracture consolidation (grade 3 callus) was 11.5±2.9 (6-16 weeks) for all fractures. The outcomes were excellent in 19 patients (73.1%) and satisfactory in 7 (26.9%). There were no poor results; only minor complications, such as skin irritation, were recorded in the study. Conclusion TENs fixation for Pediatrics LBF is an efficient and safe method with satisfactory outcomes.