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Good function, radiologic outcomes found after IM nailing of humeral fractures in children
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This retrospective study showed elastic stable intramedullary nailing for treatment of displaced distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures in pediatric patients yielded a stable reduction and good rational control.
Researchers reviewed data for 14 patients with an average age of 9.7 years who underwent surgery using the elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) method for treatment of displaced distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures between January 2011 and December 2012. Data recorded included demographics, accident mechanism, side involved, the presence or absence of associated neurovascular injury, and whether the fracture was closed or open. Radiographs of the humerus were used to examine the location, type and degree of displacement of fracture. Follow-up was 1 year after the initial surgery and, at this time, patients were asked to complete the Quick-DASH. Mean follow-up was 28.1 months.
Findings showed fractures occurred equally in both the left and right sides of patients. Between 6 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery, patients’ fractures had healed completely. Investigators found hardware was removed at an average of 12 months after the initial procedure.
At the last follow-up visit, all patients were pain-free and returned to activities of daily living and sports. Investigators also found a mean overall Quick-DASH score of 0.81. According to radiographic results, there was no secondary displacement, nail migration, fixation loss, consolidation delay, nonunion or re-fracture. There were no signs of growth arrest in patients during clinical examinations or radiographic assessments, according to researchers. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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