Factors related to leg length discrepancy after flexible intramedullary nail fixation in pediatric lower-extremity fractures.

Abstract

This study assessed the factors related to leg length discrepancy after flexible intramedullary nailing in pediatric patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 27 patients with flexible intramedullary nail fixation. Twenty-three patients showed lengthening of the injured limb, and 23 showed lengthening of the injured femur or tibia, with 11 patients having a resultant leg length discrepancy greater than 10 mm. Age at the time of injury was the only factor that was significantly related to leg length discrepancy. Our results show that most patients experience lengthening in the injured bone, with significantly increased risk in younger patients.