Stabilization of Pediatric Diaphyseal Femur Fractures with Flexible Intramedullary Nails (A Technique Paper)

Abstract

The indications for surgical stabilization of a pediatric diaphyseal femur fracture are expanding. Children with multiple system injuries, a head injury, and/or multiple fractures have fewer local and distant complications if the femur fracture is treated operatively. Other indications include a pathological fracture in osteoporotic bone, a fracture in a child with a preexisting condition that prevents the application of a spica cast, a child older than 10 years of age, or a child less than 10 years of age who cannot be kept adequately aligned using conventional (traction/casting) methods of fracture management. Here we describe a technique of stabilizing pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures using flexible intramedullary nails (Ender). This technique can be used in children of all ages and with all patterns of diaphyseal fractures.