[Intramedullary nailing of old femoral fracture in children].

Intramedullary nailing was performed for 40 old femoral fractures in children. Open intramedullary nailing was used in all fractures. The results showed that intramedullary nailing was suitable for upper and middle third femoral fractures, including transverse or short oblique fractures, multiple segmental fractures, malunited fractures and fractures failed to unite after internal fixation with plate. The authors consider that fresh long oblique or spiral fractures, severe comminuted fractures and lower third femoral fractures are not suitable for intramedullary nailing. In this series, 34 patients have been followed up 2.5 to 8 years (averaged 5.4 years) and all their fractures had been united. The function of the hip and knee was normal in 32 patients. Excellent and good results were obtained in 32 patients (94.1%). The epiphysis of the femoral trochanter and growth of femur have not been damaged by nailing.