Treatment of Femoral Shaft Fracture with Interlocking Humeral Nail in Older Children and Adolescent

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of interlocking humeral nail for femur shaft fractures through the greater trochanter in older children and adolescent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven femoral shaft fractures in ten patients were selected. They were consisted of 9 boys and 1 girl. Two patients had osteogenesis imperfecta and one patient had a simple bone cyst as an underlying disease. 7 cases were right side and 4 cases were left side. The mean age at the time of operation was 12 years and 7 months (8 years 11 months~15 years 7 months). The mean follow-up period was 21 months and interlocking humeral nail was inserted at the greater trochanter in all patients. RESULTS: All patients had a complete bony union without any complication such as infection, nonunion, leg length discrepancy and metal failure. Avascular necrosis of femoral head and coxa valga were not developed in all patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing through the greater trochanter using interlocking humeral nail is effective and safe treatment for the femoral shaft fracture in older children and adolescents.