title: Preliminary Report: Pediatric Femur Fractures: Single Incision Intramedullary Stabilization Technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pediatric femoral shaft fractures are common injuries that have seen a trend toward surgical stabilization. Traditionally these fractures have been stabilized with flexible intramedullary nails performed through a 2-incision technique. We proposed that a single incision technique would offer equivalent outcomes with the potential for improved cosmesis and a reduced infection risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review was performed of 112 consecutive cases of pediatric femoral shaft fractures, 66 cases were excluded, leaving 23 cases utilizing the single incision technique and 23 utilizing the standard 2-incision technique. Electronic medical records were then reviewed for demographic information, and a PAC system was employed to classify the fractures according to the AO classification and determine the time to fracture union.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference was found in fracture healing times with a mean union time of 62.4 and 50.3 days in the single and double incision groups, respectively (P=0.38). One complication of superficial infection was noted in the 2-incision group; however, this was not statistically significant, and no malunions or nonunions were detected in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single incision technique for intramedullary stabilization of pediatric femoral shaft fractures is a viable option with an equivalent time to fracture union and no observed difference in the complication rate. Furthermore, the technique may offer benefits with regard to infection risk and cosmesis.
authors: *Children's Hospital Central California, UCSF Fresno, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery †UCSF Fresno, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fresno, CA.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Knedel
authors: Edward W
authors: EW
authors: Gallego
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Gerardi
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Husak
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Altebarmakian
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome