title: Intramedullary splinting of femoral shaft fractures in children with flexible nails: early results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Indications for flexible intramedullary nailing, as well as advancements in this technique, have evolved considerably with time and individual experience. We implemented and studied a simplified version of the technique. Functional outcome, osseous union and related issues are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 15 patients aged 5-15 years with diaphyseal femur fracture were selected for the study. The patients' fractures were stabilised with flexible intramedullary nails through lateral entry alone. After a minimum follow-up period of six months, the outcomes were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean patient age was 8.7 years, and patients were followed up for a mean duration of 12 months. Radiological union was achieved within a mean duration of 7.5 weeks. The outcomes were excellent in most of the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adequate fixation was achieved through the use of flexible nails as intramedullary splints. The results were comparable to that of the original technique. Further study is obligatory.
authors.affiliation: Sakthi Medicare Center, 112 Bazaar Street, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608002, India. dr.arunkumar.orth@gmail.com
authors.forename: Arun Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kaliya Perumal
authors.forename: Kanthimathi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Balasubramanian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome