Flexible intramedullary nailing as fracture treatment in children.

Abstract

To correct angulation and to avoid plaster immobilization in diaphyseal fractures in childhood, intramedullary nailing with flexible titanium pins is an easy and safe method. Under radiographic control, fractures of femur, tibia, and humerus are stabilized with two crossing pins. Forearm fractures are splinted with a single pin each in the radius and the ulna. Even displaced fractures of the radial neck can be corrected with a distally introduced titanium pin. This method is safe in elective trauma surgery and will especially be useful in polytraumatized children in whom multiple fractures should be stabilized with minimal x-ray exposure in a short time.