Abstract
Background: To assess the efficacy of flexible
intramedullary Enders nails(EN) for the treatment of
femoral and tibial diaphyseal fractures in children.
Methods: In this descriptive study, thirty patients
treated with EN, for femoral and tibial shaft fractures were
included. Hole was drilled on medial and lateral sides of
bone and passage was created by bone awl. EN, attached
to the T-handle, was inserted into the bone. When the nail
reached the upper end of fracture site, reduction of fracture
was attempted and confirmed under image intensifier.
Second nail was introduced from the other side . On fourth
post operative day, ambulation with weight bearing was
attempted.
Results: Twenty two children with femoral and eight
with tibial shaft fractures were included. The average
healing time for all the fractures was 8.44.8 weeks.
Majority (90%) united in less than 3 months. Malunion
and delayed union were the commonest complications
Reoperation was required in one patient with malunion.
None of the patients developed nerve palsy or
osteomyelitis
Conclusion: Use of flexible intramedullary EN, in the
treatment of femoral and tibial shaft fractures
in children is feasible with lesser complications