Flexible intramedullary nails for unstable fractures of the tibia in children: a retrospective evaluation of effectiveness

BackgroundFlexible intramedullary nailing is gaining popularity as an effective method for treating long-bone fractures in children.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records and radiographs of 56 unstable fractures of the tibia in 54 children treated between March 2006 and May 2010. Of the 56 fractures, 13 were open. All had been followed up for at least 2 months after removal of the nails.ResultsThere were no nonunion cases. The mean time to clinical and radiological union was 10 weeks. Complications included residual angulation of the tibia, leg-length discrepancy, deep infection and failures of fixation. All achieved excellent functional outcome.ConclusionFlexible intramedullary fixation is an easy, safe and effective method of management of both open and closed unstable fractures of the tibia in children.