[Elastic, stable intramedullary nailing of pertrochanteric femoral fractures in children (<6-8 years)].

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive, sufficiently stable for movement and partial weight bearing, osteosythesis of pertrochanteric femoral fractures in children < 6-8 years using elastic, stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN).

INDICATIONS

Proximal, pertrochanteric femoral fractures Delbet type IV in children < 6 years.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Comminuted fractures, femoral neck fractures.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

By inserting three elastic titanium nails (TEN), prebent in the proximal third, retrograde into the femur, a stable 3‑point support stabilizes the proximal fragment. For further improvement of stability, EndCaps can be used.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Partial weight bearing (sole-contact) for 4-5 weeks. X‑ray controls immediately after surgery and after 4-5 weeks. No sports for 3 months.

RESULTS

In our patient population we have good experience with this technique for very rare pertrochanteric fractures in children younger than 6-8 years. With minimally invasive access, exercise-stable administration can be achieved without a pelvic leg cast.