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Introduction More than 40 years after the launch of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) as a golden standard of the treatment of some fractures in children and adolescents. Material and methods This review is based on answers to five essential questions: The position of ESIN compared with other methods of treatment; The choice of the implants; The indications for ESIN today; How to avoid complications as much as possible? Do we remove the implants or not? Results The aspects of biomechanics, design, indications for ESIN in comparison to other treatment, surgical techniques depending on fractured bones, complications are presented in the article. Conclusion ESIN is an excellent method to fix long bone fractures in children and adolescents. Top one is definitively the fractures of both bones of the forearm, then the diaphyseal fractures of the femur and the tibia before the age to be eligible for a locking nail. However, some unstable fractures cannot be treated conservatively or with a locking nail, and an ESIN remains unstable. In these cases, we are allowed to propose to add an external fixator for 4 to 6 weeks, waiting for a good stabilisation of the fracture.

Purpose The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after conservatively versus surgically treated paediatric proximal humeral fractures is poorly understood. We assessed the HRQoL after this injury and asked if HRQoL was associated with age, radiological classification or treatment chosen. Methods We identified 228 patients who were treated for proximal humeral fractures between 2004 and 2017. These patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) (primary outcome), the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and questions regarding patient satisfaction. Fractures were classified radiologically following the Paediatric Comprehensive AO Classification. Results We were able to follow-up on 190 children; 147 (mean age 8.7 years (0.8 to 15.7)) sustained a metaphyseal and 43 (mean age 11.6 years (3.7 to 15.8)) sustained a Salter Harris type I or II injury. Most fractures (90%) were simple, 10% were multifragmentary. In total, 137 children (72%) were treated nonoperatively, 51 (27%) were treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). After a median follow-up of 7.6 years (0.8 to 14.3) there was an overall mean Quick-DASH of 4.3 (SD 9.3) for girls and 1.2 (SD 3.1) for boys. The mean function score of the PedsQL was 94.7 (SD 11.1) for girls and 98.0 (SD 6.0) for boys. The mean psychosocial score of the PedsQL was 92.0 (SD 11.1) for girls and 94.1 (SD 11.6) for boys. Most children (79%) were very satisfied with the cosmetic result and 74% were very satisfied with the treatment overall. Surgery and female sex were associated with lower satisfaction. Conclusion In this cohort of 190 patients, where immobilization for mildly displaced fractures, and closed reduction and ESIN was used for displaced fractures, there was equally excellent mid- and long-term HRQoL when assessed by the Quick-Dash and the PedsQL. Level of Evidence Therapeutic, Level IV

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of treatment and the rate of complications in children treated with flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) for radial neck fractures. Methods The study included 26 children (11 males and 15 females) with a median age of 9.5 years, treated with FIN for the radial neck fractures between May 2011 and May 2018. Immobilization after the surgery was not used. The median follow-up was 41 months. According to the Judet classification, 15 fractures were classified as type III and 11 as Type IV. For each patient, clinical, radiological, and disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores were calculated. Results All patients achieved complete radiographic healing at a median of 5 weeks. The nails were removed at a median of 4 months. The rate of complications was 11.5%, including 1 radial head necrosis, 1 angulation of 15°, and 1 displacement of the radial head. Twenty patients (76.9%) achieved a perfect clinical healing, while 23 patients (88.5%) achieved a perfect radiological healing. The median DASH score was 1.25. No cases of delayed healing were recorded. After removing of the nails, all patients returned to full function of the extremity and all complications were resolved. Conclusion The use of FIN for treating fractures of the radial neck in children shows very good functional and cosmetic results. It allows mobilization with rapid pain reduction. It is a minimally invasive, simple, and reproducible technique with a low rate of complication. Owing to excellent results, surgical stabilization of radial head and neck fractures using FIN is recommended in children and adolescents. Level of evidence Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Fractures of the distal femur metaphysis (DFM) are rare. The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced DFM fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). We retrospectively reviewed 24 DFM fractures, including five pathological fractures secondary to non-ossifying fibroma (mean age, 10.9 years; range, 6-16) who underwent surgical treatment by ESIN. The patients were followed radiographically and clinically on a regular basis. Sixteen boys and eight girls were included in the study. Radiographically, all fractures healed, but five healed with complications. Most of the DFM fractures were transverse (n = 18, 75%), and all patients but two (91.7%) underwent closed reduction and stabilization of the fracture. All the patients were pain-free at their last follow-up. All regained full normal activities, although five patients developed a postoperative complication (20.8%). At the last follow-up visit, all fractures achieved union including the two cases of nonunion; moreover, none of the patients showed any signs of growth arrest or disturbances in radiological and clinical assessment. On the ESIN outcome measure scale, 12/24 patients (50%) had excellent results, 11/24 (45.8%) had good-satisfactory results and 1/24 (4.2%) had poor results. Fracture of the DFM can be challenging due to the relatively short length of the distal fragment, the proximity of the growth plate and the tendency of the distal fragment to displace. Following the surgical principles and understanding the anatomical constraints of the distal femur help to obtain satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

Purpose Radiation-induced cancers due to imaging devices concern above all the growing child, however, to date, intraoperative irradiation doses are not well-documented in children. The goal of the study was to evaluate the intraoperative doses received by patients operated with the use of a C-arm in traumatology, as well as the lifetime attributable risk of cancer death (LAR) related to the irradiation of the imaging device. Methods From 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2019, we started a multicentre study and prospectively recruited all consecutive children who needed elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for long-bone fracture. We collected demographic and operative data, with dose reports including duration and doses. The main outcome was the effective dose (ED) in millisievert (mSv), calculated with PCXMC software, and the secondary outcome was the LAR expressed as a percentage. Results In all, 51 patients operated on using 2D C-arm imaging were included in this study. The mean ED was 0.085 mSv (sd 0.10; 0.002 to 0.649). Overall LAR was 6.5 x 10−4% (sd 6.7 x 10−4%; 0.1 x 10−4% to 28.3x10−4%). Univariate linear regression showed a significant association between ED and irradiation time (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between ED and other outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion Treatment of long-bone fractures by ESIN found a low level of effective doses with utilization of the C-arm device in current practice. Further studies on a larger sample are needed to confirm these results. Level of Evidence II

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes and complications in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for forearm fracture. Methods The study included 173 patients (126 men and 47 women; median age: 11 years (range: 3-17 years) treated with ESIN for forearm fracture between May 2002 and May 2018. Immobilization was not performed after the surgery. The median follow-up was 68 months (range: 3-161 months). The etiology, healing time, and complications were recorded. Results All patients achieved complete radiographic healing at a median of 6.8 weeks (range: 4-11 weeks). The most common injuries were sport related (n=65) and by falling from standing height (n=57), followed by injuries from bicycle riding, motorbike accidents, road traffic accidents, and fights. Fifteen (8.76%) postoperative complications were recorded: eight entry-site skin irritations, two cases of skin infection, two refractures, and one case each of nail migration, injury of ulnar nerve, and pseudoarthrosis. All complications, except cases of refractures and pseudoarthrosis, were treated conservatively, with no long-term consequences for the patients. Patients with refractures and pseudoarthrosis were reoperated, and complete function of the extremities was fully restored. Conclusion ESIN for treatment of forearm fractures in children shows good functional and cosmetic results. This is a minimally invasive, cast-free, simple, and reproducible technique, with a low complication rate. Owing to these excellent objective and subjective results, surgical stabilization of the forearm fracture using ESIN is recommended in children and adolescents. Level of evidence Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Introduction The gold-standard surgical procedure of both-bone forearm shaft fracture repair is elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Disadvantages effects of ESIN have suggested to be a consequence of inappropriate surgical techniques, while recommendations are not always followed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of inadequate metal frame construct on impaired fracture healing, refracture and changing alignment. Materials and Methods It is a population-based study including all consecutive patients, aged less than 16 years, who had been treated for forearm shaft fracture by ESIN during the ten-year period 2009–2018. Altogether 71 patients were included. Non-union, delayed union, and re-fracture during the following 12 months were taken as the main outcome, while inferior metal frame construct of ESIN and the surgical technique characteristics were taken the explanatory factors. Radiographic loss of reduction was a secondary outcome and a change >5° in alignment at any postoperative follow-up exam was recognized. Results Two out of 71 fractures (3%) failed to unite, and ossifying operation was needed. Five cases (7%) showed delayed bone healing, but they ossified in five months without any intervention. These seven patients (10%) had been treated more often with larger nails (> 0.7x MCD) (p = 0.027) and by open reduction (p = 0.02), compared with thinner nails and closed reduction, respectively. Two (3%) patients had a second fracture; however, they happened 2 years after the initial injury. Other surgery or fracture related factors didn't associate with impaired ossifying. Regarding the secondary outcome, altogether 24 (35%) of the analyzed 67 patients showed >5° change in alignment during the postoperative follow-up but only one patient had clinically significant instability that required re-reduction. The alignment changed more usually in distal-third fractures, compared with middle or proximal third fractures (p = 0.019). Conclusions ESIN resulted in good radiographic bone healing in the vast majority (90%) of the patients and completely perfect metal frame construct was not required.

Introduction Although forearm fractures are one of the most common fractures in children, controversy remains about the optimal fixation technique in the surgical treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the results of pediatric patients with a forearm double fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (plate-screw group), elastic intramedullary nailing to both bones (ESIN), and hybrid fixation (the radius or ulna is fixed with the help of ESIN and the other forearm bone is fixed using plate-screw). Methods A retrospective scan was made of the records of 51 patients with forearm double diaphyseal fractures (19 plate-screw, 18 ESIN, and 14 hybrid fixation). Comparisons were made in respect of the duration of surgery, length of the incision, duration of follow-up, time to union, functional results, and complication rates. Results The study results showed that the surgical incision length and operating time in the hybrid group were statistically significantly shorter than in the plate-screw group (p0.05). Conclusion When the hybrid fixation technique was compared with other methods, the results were equal or better in terms of surgery time, incision length, time to union, and complications. Therefore, this technique can be used as an effective and reliable method in appropriate pediatric forearm diaphyseal double fractures.

Objective: To analyze outcomes of treatment and complications in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) due to femoral fracture. Methods: From May 2002 until May 2018 case records of 103 patients (76 male and 27 female), with median age of 9 (range, 3-17) and follow-up of 92 months, who underwent ESIN because of displaced femoral fracture were retrospectively reviewed. The patient’s information including age, sex, side involved, trauma mechanism, type of fracture, associated injuries, neurovascular status, complications, operation time, duration of hospital stay, time to implant removal were analyzed. The surgical procedure implied a reposition of bone fragments and osteosynthesis with titanium elastic nails introduced through an incision over the lateral and medial border of the distal femoral metaphysis. Results: All patients achieved complete radiographic healing at a mean of 8.5 (range, 5-15) weeks. Nine (8.49%) postoperative complications were recorded: three entry site skin irritation, two cases of valgus angulation and one case of nail protrusion, re-fracture, Varus angulation and delayed union. All complications, except case of re-fracture and one valgus angulation, were treated conservatively, with no long term consequences for the patients. Two patients were re-operated. After removal of nails all patients recovered complete function of the extremity, without long term consequences. Conclusion: The ESIN for treatment of femoral fractures shows very good functional and cosmetic results. It allows an early functional and cast-free follow-up with a quick pain reduction. Because of the excellent objective and subjective results, the operative stabilization of femoral fractures with ESIN should be recommended to all pediatrics patients.

Background Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the clavicle (CPC) is an uncommon entity. Owing to its scarce presentation, treatment of this disorder has not been well established. This study aimed (1) to compare surgical treatment methods that included excision of pseudoarthrosis and iliac crest bone graft and fixate with either the elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) or K-wires or plate and screws, and (2) to assess the clinical outcomes of two different surgical methods. Methods A multi-central retrospective study was performed between 2013 and 2017 in four tertiary teaching hospitals. Fifteen clavicles of 11 children were identified as CPC. All patients underwent pseudarthrosis resection and iliac crest bone autograft. They were divided into two groups as per the surgical treatment they underwent—plate stabilization as group A and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) or K-wires as group B. Nine clavicles in 6 patients in group A and 6 clavicles in 5 patients in group B, were included. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder (QuickDASH) score was used to assess patients’ satisfaction and function following treatment at each follow-up. Results There were eight boys and three girls, with an average age of 4.7 years. All patients, except one with intellectual impairments, had radiological healing. Implant removal time was significantly shorter in group B compared to group A. No statistically significant differences existed in terms of age at surgery, time of radiological healing, complication, and clinical outcome between different groups. Conclusion Surgical resection of pseudoarthrosis with an iliac crest bone graft was an effective means of surgical treatment in CPC. However, ESIN or K-wires can achieve shorter union time compared to the plate. Hence, surgical treatment is recommended for congenital pseudarthrosis of clavicular in pediatric patients. Level of evidence Retrospective comparative study; Level III

Background Both-bone forearm fractures are a common fracture, accounting for 3.4% of all paediatric fractures. For now, elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are the common surgical procedures for paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. Both ORIF and ESIN have their shortcomings. Therefore, we need to find another surgical treatment which can decrease the rate of complications and improve the clinical efficacy. Our study plans to test hybrid fixation, using an ESIN fixation for the radius and an ORIF for the ulna. Our study will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing double plate fixation with hybrid fixation for treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in older children between 10 and 16 years of age. The objectives of this trial are to compare the effectiveness between double plate fixation and hybrid fixation for treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in older children. Methods An RCT will be conducted, and the participants included will be randomly divided into either the hybrid fixation group or the double plate fixation group, at a ratio of 1:1. The primary clinical outcome measures are the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and radiological evaluation. Secondary clinical outcome measures are intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, visual analogue scale score after surgery, hospital duration after surgery and complications. Follow-up will be conducted at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Discussion The trial will provide a new surgical treatment for forearm fractures in older children. Our hypothesis is that there is no clinically relevant difference in the primary outcome measures between the two treatment groups. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800018060. Registered on 26 August 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3458-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is currently considered the gold standard in surgical treatment of femur and tibial shaft fractures in school age paediatric patients. Although elastic intramedullary nails are available in both titanium (Ti) and stainless steel (SS) alloy, titanium nails are most commonly used. Nevertheless, there is still contrasting evidence as to whether the use of Ti nails can offer better outcomes in terms of fracture healing and stability over SS nails. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of Ti and SS ESIN for femur and tibia shaft fractures in a population of school age paediatric patients.Materials and methods: All consecutive patients who underwent ESIN for femoral or tibial shaft fracture from June 2012 to May 2015 at our centre were retrospectively reviewed. Standard demographic data were collected. Pre-operative and post-operative X-rays were reviewed, complications were collected from patients charts. Patients were divided in two groups, titanium nails (Ti group) and stainless steel nails (SS group) and outcomes compared between the two.Results: A total of 34 patients were included (17 patients Ti group, 17 patients SS group) with a total of 14 femur and 21 tibia fractures. Average age at surgery was 9.4 +/- 2.5 years in Ti group and 10.4 +/- 2.4 years in SS group (p = 0.21). The average time to bone healing was 3 months in Ti group, and 2.8 months in SS group (p = 0.63). At final follow-up (12 months), no patient showed a coronal plane or sagittal plane deformity > 10 degrees and > 15 degrees, respectively. Complication rate was similar between the two groups (24% Ti group, 22% SS group).Conclusions: We did not observe any significant difference in terms of bone healing, fracture mechanical stability, return to full activity, and complication rate between Ti and SS ESIN for paediatric femoral and tibial shaft fractures. While Ti nails remain a better choice for patients with metal allergy, SS nails may offer safe, effective, and cheaper alternative to Ti nails in school age femur and tibial shaft fractures. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background: Surgical stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicle fracture can be achieved by an intramedullary nail or plate. When intramedullary nail is used, one of the dreaded complications is the migration of nail. We have used a screw intramedullary device with screw mechanism at one end which can get hold in the medial cancellous bone, thus preventing chances of nail migration. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcome following elastic stable screw intramedullary nailing for the fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: 36 patients of midshaft clavicular fractures, who met inclusion criteria, were included in this retrospective study. There were 28 males and 8 females. The mean age was 36.6 years. Twenty one patients were managed by close reduction and fixation with screw intramedullary nail. Fifteen patients required mini-open reduction. Followup examination was done at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months using patient's subjective evaluation, functional outcome, radiographic assessment, and other complications. Results: Union was achieved at average of 11.6 weeks in 31 cases and five patients went to delayed union. The average followup was 6 months. The average constant score was 90%. Three patients had medial nail protrusion which required early removal after union. Conclusion: Screw intramedullary nail is a safe, minimally invasive surgical technique with a lower complication rate, faster return to daily activities, excellent cosmetic and good functional results, and can be used as an equally effective alternative to plate fixation in displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been established as state of the art treatment for forearm fractures in children, if operative stabilization is required. Their use has been expanded to single bone shaft fractures, and also more complex injuries such as Monteggia fractures or Monteggia-like lesions. A wide range of complications has been reported in the literature, up to 70% in certain investigations. The purpose of this study was to assess the complication rate after ESIN treatment of forearm fractures in children and adolescents in a representative cohort of patients from a level 1 trauma center in Germany. Between 2000 and 2015, we retrospectively analyzed all patients, up to the age of 16 years, with forearm fractures, who were operatively treated using ESIN in our department of general and trauma surgery. The main outcome measurements were the rates of postoperative complications after ESIN such as re-fracture, malunion, nonunion, tendon lesion, wound infection, and limited range of motion. In all, 201 consecutive patients with 202 forearm fractures were included in this study. Age averaged 9.7 years (range 3–16 years). Fifteen (7.4%) fractures were open. Fractures were 82.2% diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. Follow-up averaged 10.2 months (range 0.7–176.3 months). Complications were 10 re-fractures, 2 malunions, 3 extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures, 1 superficial wound infection, and 2 limited range of motions. Fourteen (6.9%) children required a secondary operative intervention for their complication. Time to implant removal averaged 3.8 months (range 0.4–16.3 months). Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive and reliable technique with a low complication rate. Both-bone forearm fractures and single bone fractures, and also Monteggia and Monteggia-equivalent fractures can be successfully treated with this method. As a major complication, re-fractures are frequently seen, even with ESIN in situ.

Purpose The surgical treatment of paediatric fractures is increasing. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws is long established, whilst the use of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has become increasingly popular. This study quantifies, in terms of the energy required to produce a fracture, the biomechanical sequelae of both techniques post removal of metalwork, to provide clinicians with evidence to guide post-operative advice. Methods An immature bovine model was adopted to ascertain whether these techniques exposed the bone to a greater re-fracture risk following removal of the device. Bones were prepared to reflect ORIF or ESIN techniques, or prepared intact for the acquisition of control data. Each bone was tested to failure at 90 °/s, with the absorbed energy then being calculated to determine the relative difference between each technique and versus control data. Data describing peak shear stress and torque were recorded. Results Absorbed energy was reduced by 47 % in the ORIF group compared to both the control ( p = 0.011) and ESIN ( p = 0.018) groups. The peak shear stress and torque were also significantly different. All ORIF bones failed through drill holes, suggesting stress localisation around the defects. Conclusion This study suggests that there is a significantly higher re-fracture risk following the removal of ORIF plates when compared to both ESIN and the control environment. Whilst this may reflect the intuitive view of many clinicians, this study provides a quantitative value of the reduction in strength and should help clinicians to appropriately caution patients and parents prior to surgery.

Introduction: The elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) presently seems the best technique in the surgical treatment of femoral shaft fractures (FSF) in >6-year-old children. We hereby report technical difficulties and therapeutic results after our first 8 years of experience. Patients and Methods: It’s a retrospective study over a period of 8 years from January 2005 to December 2012 in the Paediatric Surgery Department of Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital of Lomé. Indications,technical particularities and results were studied.Results: There were 32 patients, 17 were boys and 15 were girls, with a mean age of 11 years old. The mean time to surgery was 21 days (range:14 and 51 days). A callus was always removed before reduction. The osteosynthesis was stable in 22 cases, but in 10 others, it had been completed with a cast immobilisation. The operation needed a blood transfusion in 18 cases. With a mean followup of 3.5 years, the results were excellent in 29 patients (90.63%) and good in 3 patients (9.37%).Conclusion: Although undertaking an ESIN can be difficult, due to the lack of adequate equipment the procedure produces satisfactory outcome.Key words: Children, elastic stable intramedullary nailing, femoral shaft, fractures

Le but de notre étude est de décrire les complications de l'embrochage centromédullaire élastique stable (ECMES) dans le traitement des fractures diaphysaires des deux os de l'avant-bras chez l'enfant. Entre janvier 2009 et décembre 2013, 87 enfants présentant des fractures diaphysaires des os de l'avant-bras ont été traités par embrochage centro-médullaire élastique stable par des broches de Métaizeau. Il s'agissait de 76 garçons et 11 filles d'âge moyen 12 ans. L'embrochage a été réalisé d'emblée dans 50 cas et suite à un déplacement secondaire sous plâtre dans les autres. Les deux os ont été embrochés dans tous les cas. L'immobilisation plâtrée était systématique pour tous les malades pendant une durée moyenne d'un mois. Les broches ont été enlevées au bout d'environ 6 mois en moyenne. Les résultats fonctionnels ont été étudiés avec un recul moyen de 10 mois. Les complications ont été marquées par 14 infections superficielles, 2 cas d'ostéites sur matériel, 3 cas de refracture, 3 cas de pseudarthrose, 2 cas de retard de consolidation et une synostose radio-cubitale proximale. Bien que l'embrochage centro-médullaire soit une méthode d'ostéosynthèse idéalement adaptée aux enfants, il reste plus invasif que le traitement orthopédique. Ses indications doivent rester dans les limites de celui ci.

AIM To report the clinical and radiographic results of titanium elastic nail (TEN) in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below age of six years. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 27 diaphyseal femoral fractures in children younger than six years treated with TEN between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 5 wk and the nails were removed from 6 to 12 wk after surgery. Twenty-four cases were clinically and radiographically re-evaluated using the Flynn’s scoring criteria, focusing on: Limb length discrepancy, rotational deformity, angulation, hip and knee range of motion (ROM), functional status, complications, and parent’s satisfaction. RESULTS Sixteen males and eight females with a mean age of 3.2 years at the time of treatment were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of 58.9 mo. No cases of delayed union were observed. The mean limb lengthening was 0.3 cm. Four cases experienced limb lengthening greater than 1 cm and always minor than 2 cm. Twelve point five percent of the cases showed an angulation < 10°. Complete functional recovery (hip and knee ROM, ability to run and jump on the operated limb) occurred in 95.7% of cases. Complications included two cases of superficial infection of the TEN entry point, one case of refracture following a new trauma, and one TEN mobilization. According to the Flynn’s scoring criteria, excellent results were obtained in 79.2% of patients and satisfactory results in the remaining 20.8%, with an average parent’s satisfaction level of 9.1/10. CONCLUSION TEN is as a safe, mini-invasive and surgeon-friendly technique and, considering specific inclusion criteria, it represents a useful and efficacy option for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures even in patients younger than six years of age.

Background Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is accepted widely for treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children. However, complication rates of 10 to 50 % are described due to shortening or axial deviation, especially in older or heavier children. Biomechanical in vitro testing was performed to determine whether two modified osteosyntheses with end caps or a third nail could significantly improve the stability in comparison to classical elastic stable intramedullary nailing in a transverse femur fracture model. Methods We performed biomechanical testing in 24 synthetic adolescent femoral bone models (Sawbones®) with a transverse midshaft (diaphyseal) fracture. First, in all models, two nails were inserted in a C-shaped manner (2 × 3.5 mm steel nails, prebent), then eight osteosyntheses were modified by using end caps and another eight by adding a third nail from the antero-lateral (2.5-mm steel, not prebent). Testing was performed in four-point bending, torsion, and shifting under physiological 9° compression. Results The third nail from the lateral showed a significant positive influence on the stiffness in all four-point bendings as well as in internal rotation comparing to the classical 2C configuration: mean values were significantly higher anterior-posterior (1.04 vs. 0.52 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), posterior-anterior (0.85 vs. 0.43 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), lateral-medial (1.26 vs. 0.70 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), and medial-lateral (1.16 vs. 0.76 Nm/mm, p < 0.001) and during internal rotation (0.16 vs. 0.11 Nm/°, p < 0.001). The modification with end caps did not improve the stiffness in any direction. Conclusions The configuration with a third nail provided a significantly higher stiffness than the classical 2C configuration as well as the modification with end caps in this biomechanical model. This supports the ongoing transfer of the additional third nail into clinical practice to reduce the axial deviation occurring in clinical practice.

Introduction Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has transformed children's femoral shaft fracture treatment, but this technique requires an image intensifier. Without it, open reduction is used to check fracture reduction and pin passage. The aim of this study was to describe our techniques and to evaluate our results at the middle term. Hypothesis The open reduction and ESIN technique provides satisfactory results with few major complications. Patients and methods This was a retrospective study that focused on femoral diaphyseal fractures treated in the pediatric surgery unit at Yopougon Teaching Hospital (Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire) between January 2007 and December 2013. Twenty children older than 6 years of age who underwent open reduction and ESIN without image intensifier assistance were included. Functional outcomes were assessed using Flynn's criteria. Postoperative complications and sequelae were recorded. Results At the 16-month follow-up, the results were excellent in 11 (55%) cases, good in eight (40%), and poor in one (5%) case. The mean duration of surgery was 71 min (range, 57–103 min). The mean time for bone healing was 11.6 weeks (range, 7–15 weeks) and the average time to nail removal was 6 months. Complications included wood infection ( n = 3), skin irritation ( n = 3), knee stiffness ( n = 2), malunion ( n = 3), scar ( n = 5), and leg length discrepancy ( n = 3). Discussion Open reduction and ESIN yielded satisfactory results with few major complications. This method could be an alternative in low-income countries where the image intensifier is often unavailable. Level of evidence Level IV retrospective study.

Introduction: Clavicle fractures accounting for 3 to 5% of all adult fractures are usually treated non-operatively. There is an increasing trend toward their surgical fixation. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome following titanium elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for midshaft non-comminuted clavicle fractures with >20 mm shortening/displacement. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients, which met inclusion criteria, were reviewed retrospectively. There were 32 males and six females. The mean age was 27.6 years. The patients were assessed for clinical/radiological union and by Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores. 71% patients required open reduction. Results: 100% union was achieved at average of 11.3 weeks. The average follow-up was 12 months. The average Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores were 45.6 and 6.7, respectively. 47% patients had nail removal. One patient had lateral nail protrusion while other required its medial trimming. Conclusion: In our hands, ESIN is safe and minimally invasive with good patient satisfaction, cosmetic appearance, and overall outcome.

Context: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing has revolutionised the treatment of fractures in children. Aim: To report our experience with this current technique of management of fractures in children. Methods and Materials: A retrospective study of all children with fractures treated by this method from November 2003 to June 2006 at the Paediatric Surgery Department of Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Data were recorded from their medical charts regarding demographics, fracture patterns, associated injuries, morbidity, and outcome. Results: A total of 38 children (14 boys; mean age, 11.7 years; range, 9-15 years) with 41 fractures, sited at femur (n=15), humerus (n=8), tibia and fi bula (n=6), forearm (n=7), and radial neck (n=5), associated with other injuries in 7 cases, were enrolled in the study. The mean interval for surgery was 6.8 days. Open reduction was required 5 times (12.1%). The hospital stay was in the range 5-12 days. Minor adverse events were 1 (2.4%) early tibial loss of reduction, 3 (7.3%) skin irritations and 2 (4.8%) transient knee limitations. Complications (17.3%) included 2 axial (4.8%) and 1 rotational (2.4%) femoral malunions below 15°; 3 elbow (7.3%) and 1 knee stiffness (2.4%) in openly reduced cases. Solid consolidation was achieved in all cases, with no disturbance in standard union times. At a mean follow-up period of 16 months (range, 9-28 months), all but 3 patients with opened joints recovered full range of motion, and none showed either limp and gait anomalies or re-fracture after removal of wires. Conclusion: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children fractures is easy to perform and has little complications if a proper technique is used.Key words: Children, diaphyseal fractures, elastic stable intramedullary nailing

Background Elastic Stable intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) of dislocated diaphyseal femur fractures has become an accepted method for the treatment in children and adolescents with open physis. Studies focused on complications of this technique showed problems regarding stability, usually in complex fracture types such as spiral fractures and in older children weighing > 40 kg. Biomechanical in vitro testing was performed to evaluate the stability of simulated spiral femoral fractures after retrograde flexible titanium intramedullary nail fixation with and without End caps. Methods Eight synthetic adolescent-size femoral bone models (Sawbones® with a medullar canal of 10 mm and a spiral fracture of 100 mm length identically sawn by the manufacturer) were used for each group. Both groups underwent retrograde fixation with two 3.5 mm Titanium C-shaped nails inserted from medial and lateral entry portals. In the End Cap group the ends of the nails of the eight specimens were covered with End Caps (Synthes Company, Oberdorf, Switzerland) at the distal entry. Results Beside posterior-anterior stress (4.11 Nm/mm vs. 1.78 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), the use of End Caps demonstrated no higher stability in 4-point bending compared to the group without End Caps (anterior-posterior bending 0.27 Nm/mm vs. 0.77 Nm/mm, p < 0.001; medial-lateral bending 0.8 Nm/mm vs. 1.10 Nm/mm, p < 0.01; lateral-medial bending 0.53 Nm/mm vs. 0.86 Nm/mm, p < 0.001) as well as during internal rotation (0.11 Nm/° vs. 0.14 Nm/°, p < 0.05). During compression in 9°- position and external rotation there was no statistical significant difference (0.37 Nm/° vs. 0.32 Nm/°, p = 0.13 and 1.29 mm vs. 2.18 mm, p = 0.20, respectively) compared to the "classic" 2-C-shaped osteosynthesis without End Caps. Conclusion In this biomechanical study the use of End Caps did not improve the stability of the intramedullary flexible nail osteosynthesis.

Summary Introduction The distal metaphyso-diaphyseal fractures of the radius with volar angulation are generally considered unstable. Too distal to be treated with classic elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) via a laterodistal approach and too proximal to be stabilized with simple conservative treatment, they are sometimes treated by plating. Patients and methods To avoid the disadvantages of the open exposure necessary for this latter fixation and to prevent volar angulation while respecting the curvature of the radius, radial elastic nailing with posteromedial distal entry was used in 16 patients. These patients were reviewed with an average follow-up of 4.5 months. Results Six patients presented a mean volar angulation of 7°, eight a mean posterior angulation of 5.5°, and two were aligned at 0°. On the AP view, seven patients presented a mean residual varus of 6.5°, four a mean residual valgus of 5°, and five were at 0°. The pronating curvature of the radius and the radioulnar index remained intact in all cases. One case of extensor digitorum tenosynovitis was observed and disappeared after wire removal. Discussion For the unstable fractures of the distal third of the radius, certain authors propose systematic classic ESIN, but the lateral point of entry inevitably entails a varus misalignment, which is no longer the case if the entry is medial. Level of evidence Level 4. Retrospective Study.

Background Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the standard treatment for displaced diaphyseal femoral fractures in children. However, high complication rates (10-50%) are reported in complex fractures. This biomechanical study compares the stiffness with a 3rd nail implanted to that in the classical 2C-shaped configuration and presents the application into clinical practice. Methods For each of the 3 configurations of ESIN-osteosynthesis with titanium nails eight composite femoral grafts (Sawbones®) with an identical spiral fracture were used: 2C configuration (2C-shaped nails, 2 × 3.5 mm), 3CM configuration (3rd nail from medial) and 3CL configuration (3rd nail from lateral). Each group underwent biomechanical testing in 4-point bending, internal/external rotation and axial compression. Results 2C and 3CM configurations showed no significant differences in this spiroid type fracture model. 3CL had a significantly higher stiffness during anterior-posterior bending, internal rotation and 9° compression than 2C, and was stiffer in the lateral-medial direction than 3CM. The 3CL was less stable during p-a bending and external rotation than both the others. As biomechanical testing showed a higher stability for the 3CL configuration in two (a-p corresponding to recurvation and 9° compression to shortening) of three directions associated with the most important clinical problems, we added a 3rd nail in ESIN-osteosynthesis for femoral fractures. 11 boys and 6 girls (2.5-15 years) were treated with modified ESIN of whom 12 were ‘3CL’; due to the individual character of the fractures 4 patients were treated with ‘3CM’ (third nail from medial) and as an exception 1 adolescent with 4 nails and one boy with plate osteosynthesis. No additional stabilizations or re-operations were necessary. All patients achieved full points in the Harris-Score at follow-up; no limb length discrepancy occurred. Conclusion The 3CL configuration provided a significantly higher stiffness than 2C and 3CM configurations in this biomechanical model. These results were successfully transmitted into clinical practice. All children, treated by 3CL or 3CM according to the individual character of each fracture, needed no additional stabilization and had no Re-Do operations. As a consequence, at our hospital all children with femoral diaphyseal fractures with open physis are treated with this modified ESIN-technique.