Advances in the surgical management of pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an update on surgical methods of pediatric femur fracture treatment.


RESULTS
Multiple studies describe successful results with elastic nail stabilization of pediatric femur fractures. The indications and risk factors for complications are being more clearly defined. Trochanteric entry-locked intramedullary nailing and submuscular bridge plating have also recently been reported to produce excellent outcomes in a high percentage of patients. Older (>11 years) patients, heavier patients and patients with length-unstable fracture patterns may be best treated with locked nailing or plating.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric femur fractures can be successfully treated by a number of methods. This review examines the recent literature to provide some guidelines for choosing amongst the options for surgical stabilization.
Kuremsky
Marshall A
MA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28232, USA.
Frick
Steven L
SL
D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography