Küntscher nailing in the treatment of femoral fractures in children. Is it completely contraindicated?

Seventeen children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with fractured femoral shafts were treated by Küntscher nailing. They were followed up clinically and radiographically to ascertain if nailing had any long term adverse effects. The following radiographic parameters were considered: --valgus, varus angle; --distance between lesser trochanter and acetabulum; --width of the neck of the femur; --distance between greater trochanter and acetabulum; --intertrochanteric distance. On analysing the results it was found that Küntscher nailing did not give rise to any adverse effects provided it is carried out after 8-9 years of age.