Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in paediatric femur and tibia shaft fractures: Comparison between titanium and stainless steel nails

Factors which can influence elastic stable intramedullary nailing removal in healed bone cysts in children

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) internal fixation is used clinically to treat pathological fractures of bone cysts in children. However, one of the most important complications was removal difficulty. In this study, we aim to analyse the factors which can influence ESIN removal in healed bone cysts in children. From April 2014 to November 2020, the clinical data of 49 children who underwent elastic stable intramedullary nail removal for pathological fractures of the bone cysts in our hospital were retrospectively analysed. The following data, including age, sex, pathological fracture site, with bone graft, number of ESINs, ESIN indwelling time, and extraosseous length of ESIN were collected, and univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed. The frequency of difficulty in ESIN extraction was 44.90% (22/49). The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,ESIN indwelling time,with bone garft and extraosseous length of ESIN may be correlated with the difficulty in removing ESIN (P < 0.05), while sex, pathological fracture site, number of ESIN may not be correlated with the difficulty in removing ESIN (P > 0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ESIN indwelling time was the independent influencing factor for difficulty in removing ESIN (P < 0.05). The factors influencing the ESIN removal in healed bone cysts in children include over 11.79 years old, the long indwelling time of the ESIN(over 10.5 months),with bone graft and short extraosseous length of ESIN(≤ 0.405 cm). These factors influencing ESIN removal in healed bone cysts in children should be considered.

Comparing the Outcomes of Titanium and Stainless Steel Flexible Nails in Repairing Pediatric Long Bone Fractures

Background

Traditionally, pediatric femoral fracture treatment favored conservative methods, relying on casting and the inherent bone remodeling ability in immature bones. Surgical intervention was deferred until age 6, as nonoperative approaches often resulted in complications. Titanium elastic nailing (TENS) emerged as an effective treatment for diaphyseal femoral fractures in ages 6 to 16. However, the choice between TENS and stainless steel elastic nailing (SSENS) remains debated due to inconsistent findings.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both nailing systems in pediatric long bone fractures.

Methods

A retrospective chart review at William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak included 83 patients aged 6 to 16 treated with TENS or SSENS between January 2011 and January 2021. Data collected encompassed nail related issues, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, and nail removal.

Results

In the TENS group (n=29), the average age was 8.8±2.4 years, and the average BMI was 17.2±3.4. The SSENS group (n=54) had an average age of 9.3±2.7 and an average BMI of 19.7±8.4. Time to fracture union for TENS was 93.8±60.5 days, while SSENS was 82.2±40.0 days.

Conclusion

This study found no statistically significant differences in nail-related complications, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, or nail removal between TENS and SSENS in pediatric long bone fractures. The choice between these systems should be based on individual circumstances. Limitations include a small sample size and the study's retrospective nature.

Flexible nailing: Pushing the indications for diametaphyseal lower-extremity fractures

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been shown to be an effective form of surgical management for lower-extremity diametaphyseal fractures in pediatric patients, but studies are limited because ESIN treatment for these fractures is relatively uncommon. We sought to determine whether ESIN can be used effectively in the most distal or proximal short-segment forms of these fractures. We queried the electronic medical record system at Johns Hopkins Hospital using Current Procedural Terminology codes for femur and tibia fractures treated with ESIN in patients under 18 years old between January 2015 and October 2022. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were subsequently reviewed to identify patients with a proximal or distal third femoral or tibial shaft fracture treated with ESIN and to define criteria for short-segment diametaphyseal fractures. We used Beaty radiological criteria to evaluate radiographic outcomes and Flynn titanium elastic nails (TENs) outcome scale to assess clinical recovery after radiographic evidence of union. There were 43 children who met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 10 patients had short-segment diametaphyseal fractures. There were 22 (51.2%) who sustained femur fractures and 21 (48.8%) who sustained tibia fractures. Using Beaty radiologic criteria, ESIN was associated with more satisfactory outcomes in patients with distal or proximal third shaft fractures (32/33) than in patients with short-segment diametaphyseal fractures (7/10) (P = .03). Using the TENs outcome scale, 21 (63.4%) patients with distal or proximal third shaft fractures had excellent results, 11 (33.3%) had satisfactory results, and 1 (3%) had a poor result. Among patients with short-segment diametaphyseal fractures, 4 (40%) had excellent results, 5 (50%) had satisfactory results, and 1 (10%) had a poor result. There were no differences in TENs outcomes between the groups (P = .24). Patients with short-segment lower-extremity diametaphyseal fractures treated with ESIN had worse radiographic outcomes but did no worse clinically than patients with distal or proximal third shaft fractures. Consequently, ESIN should be considered a safe and effective surgical management option for pediatric patients with even the most distal or proximal forms of these fractures.

Bone Consolidation: A Practical Guide for the Interventional Radiologist

In recent years, interventional radiologists have been increasingly involved in the management of bone fractures resulting from benign (osteoporosis and trauma), as well as malignant (tumor-related impending or pathologic fractures) conditions. Interventional techniques used to fix fractures include image-guided osteoplasty, screw-mediated osteosynthesis, or combinations of both. In the present narrative review, we highlight the most common clinical scenarios that may benefit from such interventional techniques with specific focus on spine, pelvic ring, and long bones.

A novel pre-bending tool for elastic stable intramedullary nailing: An efficient and accurate study

Purpose

The elastic stable intramedullary nail has been recognized as an accepted technique for treating pediatric long bone fractures. The principle of the technique is "3-point support and fixation," and it should be followed to achieve the optimum outcome without implant failure and complications. However, tools have yet to be reported for pre-bending of the elastic stable intramedullary nail. This study aims to present a novel tool for pre-bending the elastic stable intramedullary nails and the results of using this tool by surgeons.

Methods

A designed case of femoral shaft fracture was provided to the participants. All participants were divided into three groups according to their experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique: resident, fellow, and attending groups. The time of completing the pre-bending and coronal plane deviation of the nails after pre-bending was recorded. Statistical analysis compared the data in a conventional way and with the new tools in each group.

Results

A total of 30 physicians were recruited in this study. The pre-bending duration with the new tool was significantly shorter than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001). The coronal plane deviation of nails after pre-bending by the new tool was significantly smaller than that of the conventional method for all physicians (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This novel tool for elastic stable intramedullary nail pre-bending was convenient and easy to use in achieving the principal role of the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique. Physicians could reduce the coronal plane deviation when pre-bending elastic stable intramedullary nails, especially for physicians with less experience with the elastic stable intramedullary nail technique.

Level of evidence

IV.

Tibial shaft fractures in children: flexible intramedullary nailing in growing children especially weighing 50 kg (110 lbs) or more

Currently the gold standard in surgical treatment of displaced tibial shaft fractures in children with open growth cartilage is elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The purpose of this study is the analysis of indications, complications, and duration of treatment using intramedullary flexible nails in children who are still growing but especially weighing 50 kg or more. Hospital records from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed to identify the children from 4 to 17 years of age with displaced tibial shaft fractures admitted to the hospital. Only children with open growth cartilage, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up and complete clinical data, were included. Studies of 91 children xwere analyzed. The average patient age at the time of the injury was 10.88 ± 2.82 years. In the entire group, 31.9% children weighed 50 kg or more, and 68.1% of the children were below this weight. All children were treated using ESIN. The mean time to nail removal was 8.4 ± 4.09 months in the whole group of children stabilized with ESIN. There were no differences in the two groups depending on the weight ( P = 0.637). Only two adverse events were observed. This study demonstrates that the use of ESIN in displaced tibial shaft fractures in growing children weighing 50 kg or more is acceptable and safe. The discussion to be made is whether it is still an acceptable method of treatment for this type of fracture due to the progressive obesity epidemic in children and adolescents.

Modern management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures: an evidence-based update

AIMS

This review provides a summary of recent evidence surrounding the treatment of paediatric tibial shaft fractures and presents an algorithm to aid management of these injuries. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, epidemiology and aetiology of tibial shaft fractures and summarises contemporary treatment principles. Management recommendations and supporting evidence are given for fractures according to age (< 18 months, 18 months-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years). The relative merits of casting, plate fixation, elastic and rigid intramedullary nailing, and external fixation are discussed. Special attention is paid to the management of open tibial shaft fractures and to complications including infection and acute compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a shift away from non-operative management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures over the last 30 years. However, recent evidence highlights that a non-operative approach produces acceptable outcomes when used in simple closed fractures at any age. Operative management may be indicated for unstable fractures where satisfactory alignment cannot be maintained or in specific circumstances including open injuries and polytrauma. Open injuries require urgent assessment by a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery team at a specialist tertiary centre.

Ender's nailing of displaced tibia shaft fractures in children - A nine-year experience

BACKGROUND

Displaced fractures of the tibial shaft in children can be effectively treated with minimal complications with flexible nails. Our aim is to evaluate the outcome of displaced paediatric tibia shaft fractures treated with Ender's nails.

MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all unstable tibial fractures treated between 2010 and 2018, in our institution. Only children with a minimum of six months follow-up and complete clinical data were considered for the study.

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients who fulfilled the inclusion-exclusion criteria, 8 were lost for follow-up and hence we had 64 patients included for the study. There were 54 boys and 10 girls, with an average age of 10.9 years(4 to 17 years). The average follow-up was 16.9 months (6 to 47 months). There were nine open fractures. Two nails were used in 52(81.25%) patients while a single nail was used in 6(9.37%) patients and three nails were used in 6(9.37%) patients. The union rate was 100% with an average union time of 10.6 weeks. There were 17 (26.5%) patients with delayed union but none required intervention. One (1.56%) child had a malunion >10° (recurvatum of 11.9° and varus of 8.1°). Radiographs at the final review demonstrated >5° of coronal plane malalignment in eight patients (12.5%) and >5° sagittal plane malalignment (recurvatum) in six patients (9.37%). There was an associated fibular fracture in 50 children and there was no significant association between the presence of fibular fracture and malalignment (p>0.05). All children who presented for implant removal had full range of movement at the knee and ankle joint and no limb length discrepancy.

CONCLUSION

We report the largest series of paediatric tibial shaft fractures treated with Ender's nails. Ender's nail is a simple and cost-effective option for treating these fractures with excellent union rates and minimal complications.

Flexible Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Children Weighing ≥40 kg: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pediatric femur fractures are commonly treated with flexible intramedullary nails (FIN). However, there is controversy regarding the effect of patient weight on outcomes and complications. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to review the literature and describe implant choice, analyze complication, and reoperation rates; as well as the report clinical and radiographic outcomes of FIN in pediatric patients weighing ≥40 kg with femoral shaft fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed of all retrospective and prospective studies focusing on the use of FIN in heavy children in Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Data extraction was performed and summarized using descriptive statistics. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed for complications using pooled data from included studies.

RESULTS

The initial search strategy yielded 177 references, and after exclusions, 5 studies were included. The majority of studies were retrospective, and the most commonly used implants in heavier patients were titanium FIN and stainless steel Enders FIN. There were higher rates of radiographic nonunion and malunion, complications, and reoperations for refracture; and nonunion in heavier children treated with FIN. Meta-analysis performed on 4 applicable studies showed the overall complication rate was higher in the heavier patients compared with lighter patients (30.6% vs. 11.1%) with a relative risk of 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.41]. Heavier patients also had higher rates of major complications (relative risk, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.69) but similar minor complications (relative risk, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.90-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Heavier children have worse radiographic outcomes and higher complication rates with the use of FIN for femoral shaft fractures. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of FIN material on clinical outcomes in heavier children, and the relationship between weight and other known risk factors for poor outcome in FIN, such as length stability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-systematic review of level-III studies.

Physeal-sparing unreamed locked intramedullary nailing for adolescent tibial fractures

INTRODUCTION

The first-line treatment of paediatric tibial fractures is non-operative but the number of operatively treated patients is rising. Elastic intramedullary nailing and external fixation are widely used in children while solid intramedullary nailing, the standard procedure in adults, is usually not recommended due to the open physes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2007 and October 2017, unreamed locked solid intramedullary nailing was used in 16 cases of adolescent (mean age 13.7 ± 1.25 years) tibial diaphyseal fractures with open physes. An atypical, physeal-sparing method was used in all cases. Fourteen patients were managed by the standard implant used routinely in adult trauma care. Two patients were treated by a special nail, modified specifically for paediatric care.

RESULTS

Good functional healing was found in all cases treated by the atypical method. Partial weight bearing began immediately after surgery in 38% of the cases. Full weight bearing was allowed 7.3 ± 2.4 weeks postoperatively. The average time to fracture union was 11.5 ± 2.9 weeks. Superficial infection and wound healing complication occurred in 3 cases. Deep infection, compartment syndrome or other bone related complications did not arise.

DISCUSSION

The treatment of tibial fractures in adolescents is challenging due to larger body size and significant growth potential. The atypical intramedullary nailing method presented in this study can provide optimal functional healing, early mobilization and weight bearing while completely sparing the physis. This method can serve as an alternative in the operative treatment of adolescent tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Elastic intramedullary nailing combined with methylprednisolone acetate injection for treatment of unicameral bone cysts in children: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The aetiology of unicameral bone cysts (UBCs) is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of elastic intramedullary nailing (EIN) combined with injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) for the treatment of UBCs in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 53 children with UBCs in our hospital between January 2010 and April 2016. A total of 24 patients (Group A) were treated by EIN and MPA, whilst 29 patients (Group B) were treated by curettage, bone grafts and EIN fixation. The radiographs of the UBCs were evaluated following the Capanna criteria. All patients were followed-up on the third, sixth, 12th, 24th and 36th months. Fixation time, hospitalization time and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

In Group A, the mean number of MPA injections was 1.8 (1 to 3). Based on radiographic evaluation, eight patients were healed (Capanna grade I), 14 were healed with residual cysts (Capanna grade II), one showed recurrence (Capanna grade III) and one showed no response to the treatment (Capanna grade IV). In Group B, 11 patients were evaluated as Capanna grade I, 12 as Capanna grade II, three as Capanna grade III and three as Capanna grade IV. There was significant difference in the early postoperative function activity (p < 0.001), hospitalization time (p = 0.028), blood loss during surgery (p < 0.001) and surgery time (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The combination of EIN and MPA for the treatment of UBCs in children is feasible, has little operative trauma, short surgery time, short hospitalization time, less blood loss and a low risk of incision infection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Biodegradable intramedullary nail (BIN) with high-strength bioceramics for bone fracture

About 10 million fractures occur worldwide each year, of which more than 60% are long bone fractures. It is generally agreed that intramedullary nails have significant advantages in rigid fracture fixation. Metal intramedullary nails (INs) can provide strong support but a stress shielding effect can occur that results in nonunion healing in clinic. Nondegradable metals also need to be removed by a second operation. Could INs be biodegradable and used to overcome this issue? As current degradable biomaterials always suffer from low strength and cannot be used in Ins, herein, we report a novel device consisting of biodegradable IN (BIN) made for the first time with bioceramics. These BINs have an extremely high bending strength and stable internal and external structure. Experiments show that the BINs could not only fix and support the tibial fracture model, but also promote osteogenesis and affect the microenvironment of the bone marrow cavity. Therefore, they could be expected to replace traditional metal IN and become a more effective treatment option for tibial fractures.

Treatment of Closed Tibia Shaft Fractures in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tibia fractures are among the most common long-bone fractures in children. Despite this, there is no current consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for closed displaced tibia shaft fractures in the pediatric patient population. The aim of this study is to compare the reported complications and outcomes of reduction and cast immobilization versus flexible intramedullary nailing in the treatment of pediatric tibia shaft fractures. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement when conducting and reporting this prospectively registered systematic review. Eleven studies were included. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Coleman methodology score. Mantel-Haenszel cumulative odds ratios were used to compare the risk of complication between different methods of treatment. Eleven studies including 1,083 patients with diaphyseal fractures of the tibia met the inclusion criteria. The most common fracture type was simple 42-A (782; 91%). Majority (75%) of the patients were treated nonoperatively. The total complication rate was higher among operatively treated patients (24 vs. 9%; p < 0.05). Satisfactory fracture alignment had to be restored surgically in 5% of the primarily nonoperatively treated patients. The evidence levels of the included studies were II (1), III (2), and IV (7). Three-fourths of closed diaphyseal fractures of the tibia in children are still treated with reduction and cast immobilization. Flexible intramedullary nailing is associated with significantly higher complication rate than nonoperative treatment.

Leg Length Discrepancy Due to Loss of Femoral Antecurvatum After Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing of Diaphyseal Fractures of the Femur in Children

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a frequent complication after elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of femoral shaft fractures in children. It is the result of either shortening or lengthening of the affected limb. A shorter limb is usually observed when there is no strict adherence to the main indication of the technique, which is a transverse or short oblique fracture of the diaphysis. A longer limb may be the result of either improper reduction and significant dissociation of fracture fragments, or stimulation of growth of the fractured bone of the child, known as overgrowth. We describe a potential third cause of limb lengthening after treating femoral shaft fractures with the ESIN technique. LLD may be the result of acute femur lengthening due to the loss of normal femoral antecurvatum.