Long term results of Intramedullary Nailing in childhood femur fractures

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact on bone growth of intramedullary nailing of femur using Küntscher technique in childhood. 

Methods: 18 patients who had undergone Küntscher  intramedullary nailing were analyzed as they have grown to adulthood. Growth of each lower limb was compared using predefined clinical and radiological parameters.

Results: Patient ages at the time of evaluation, ranged from 21 to 30 years and the follow up length 12 to 16 years. Clinical examination noted 10 normal patients and 8 patients with anomalies, among them 6 were less than 12 years old at the time of intervention. Six patients had lengthening; 4 had atrophy of the thigh and 7 patients had coxa valga of operated limb. All patients with coxa valga had undergone the intervention before the age of 12 years.

Conclusion: intramedullary nailing using Küntschter nails to treat femoral fractures in children  may have some long terms sequelae. Therefore it is advisable not to use this technique in children less than 12 years old.

Key words: intramedullary nailing, children, growth plate, femur.