BACKGROUND Diaphyseal fractures of the forearm are one of the common fractures in the paediatric population. Closed reduction and cast immobilisation remain the standard treatment for paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures owing to their unique remodelling potential. The main concern of conservative management is re-displacement of fracture in cast resulting in the unacceptable angular deformity in the forearm. Intramedullary fixation with titanium elastic nails for paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures is becoming the trending surgical technique in those cases that warrant surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of the management of fracture of both bones forearm in the older children with titanium elastic nailing system. METHODS This was a prospective study done among thirty patients aged 5 to 16 years admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics at GEMS & Hospital, Ragolu, Srikakulam with diaphyseal fractures of both bones forearm from September 2017 to September 2019. We treated the patients by closed / open reduction and internal fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nailing. The patients were followed-up for six months. RESULTS We evaluated the patients clinically and radiologically after surgery. We assessed the outcome using modified Anderson’s AO criteria for forearm fractures extracted from the international journal of current pharmaceutical and clinical research functions. All fractures united at an average of 9.1 weeks without any delayed or non-union. The results were excellent in 86.6 % of patients and good in 13.3 % of patients without significant complications. There were minor complications in 6 patients (20 %). CONCLUSIONS Titanium elastic intramedullary nailing is a safe, effective and minimally invasive surgical method for treatment of displaced both bones forearm diaphyseal fractures in older children. This technique gives relative stability with a three-point fixation principle resulting in secondary bone healing by promoting early callus, ideal for early mobilisation. The technique offers several advantages, including minimal incision, preservation of fracture haematoma, dynamic axial stabilisation, and shorter hospitalisation. KEYWORDS Both Bone Fracture Forearm, Titanium Elastic Nailing System, Early Mobilisation
Prospective study of management of fracture midshaft clavicle with titanium elastic nailing system (Tens)
