[Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in the treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in the child: about 87 cases].

This study aims to describe the complications of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in the treatment of both-bone forearm diaphyseal fractures in the child. Between January 2009 and December 2013, 87 children with both-bone forearm diaphyseal fractures were treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing with Métaizeau nails. 76 boys and 11 girls, with an average age of 12 years, were enrolled in the study. Nailing was promptly performed in 50 cases and after secondary displacement during plaster-cast treatment in the other cases. Both bones were nailed in all cases. All patients underwent systematic plaster immobilization for a period of about one month. On average, nails were removed after about 6 months. Functional outcomes were studied over a mean follow-up period of 10 months. Complications were marked by 14 superficial infections (14 cases), osteitis associated with material (2 cases), refracture (3 cases), pseudarthrosis (3 cases), delayed fracture consolidation (2 cases) and proximal radioulnar synostosis (1 case). Although intramedullary nailing ideally is an osteosynthesis technique suitable for the treatment of fractures in children, it is more invasive than orthopaedic treatment.Indications for treatment should remain within well-established limits.