Introduction: Tibial and fibular fractures are the third most common pediatric long bone injuries. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures in the skeletally immature has gained widespread popularity because of its clinical effectiveness and low risk of complications.
Aim of the work: In the present study we are evaluating the outcome of using elastic titanium nails for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures in children.
Patients and Methods: The patients are 41 closed and 9 opened grade I fractures of the tibial shaft surgically treated with intramedullary titanium elastic nails. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months. Patients' age ranged from 5 to 14 years. They were 29 males and 21 females. Detailed analysis of function of the patient was done on the basis of the following criteria using the TEN outcome scoring system by Flynn et al
Results: Patients were followed up for a mean of 13.8 (range, 12-17) months. All of fractures united at a mean time of 7.1 weeks. We removed elastic nails after 3-5 months postoperatively. The most common problem was subcutaneous protrusion of the proximal end of the elastic nails that caused irritation and pain. This problem was found in 14 (28%) patients. According to TEN outcome scoring system, 46 cases (92%) had excellent results and 4 case had satisfactory results (8%).
Conclusion: elastic titanium nails are simple, easy, quick, low cost and effective method of treatment of tibial shaft fractures in children with minimal complications.