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Treatment of Diaphyseal Pediatric Femur Fractures with Flexible Intramedullary Fixation

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Pediatric Femur Fractures

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Abstract

Flexible, or elastic, intramedullary nails (IMNs) are an effective treatment option for children with diaphyseal femur fractures. This technique is most commonly utilized in patients between 5 and 11 years of age weighing less than 45 kg. Length-stable patterns (primarily transverse or short oblique, with minimal comminution) are the fractures that are most amenable to fixation using flexible IMN fixation. Surgeons may choose between titanium and stainless steel implants, one or two insertion sites, and retrograde or antegrade insertion. Patients can usually be managed without any external immobilization and generally make a rapid return to activities without formal physical therapy. While implant removal is not typically required, many surgeons routinely perform removal procedures empirically.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX, 75219, USA

    Karl Rathjen MD

  2. Department of Orthopedics, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX, 75219, USA

    Phillip L. Wilson MD

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  1. Karl Rathjen MD
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  2. Phillip L. Wilson MD
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Correspondence to Phillip L. Wilson MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Daniel J. Hedequist

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Benton E. Heyworth

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Rathjen, K., Wilson, P.L. (2016). Treatment of Diaphyseal Pediatric Femur Fractures with Flexible Intramedullary Fixation. In: Hedequist, D., Heyworth, B. (eds) Pediatric Femur Fractures. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7986-5_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7986-5_9

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