[Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in pediatric forearm shaft fractures: intraoperative image intensifier times].
OBJECTIVE
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN)is the therapy of choice in pediatric forearm shaft fractures. It requires increased intraoperative image intensifier times and radiation load.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of 78 operative procedures from a five-year period. In 16 cases the image intensifier times of the distinct steps of the operation were investigated prospectively.


RESULTS
Average duration of the surgical procedure was 36.9 (18-144) minutes. Average radiation time was 59.5 (8-222) seconds. In educational operations, the duration of surgery was significantly longer than in procedures performed by experienced surgeons, but radiation times only were increased tendentially. In those procedures investigated prospectively, 53.1% of the image intensifier time was used for fracture passage.


CONCLUSIONS
In ESIN of forearm shaft fractures,intraoperative image intensifier times of less than 2 minutes can be expected. Low intraoperative radiation times are a mark of quality. They serve for radiation protection of the patients, surgeons and OT staff.
Kraus
R
R
Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Location Giessen. ralf.kraus@chiru.med.uni-giessen.de
Pavlidis
T
T
Szalay
G
G
Meyer
C
C
Schnettler
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*