[Closed flexible medullary nailing in pediatric traumatology]

Abstract

Flexible Medullary Nailing is an excellent method in children when operative management is indicated. It is a new biomechanical concept using prebent flexible rods introduced in a metaphyseal area. In femoral shaft fractures, closed percutaneous nailing permits stabilization using wires inserted by a medial and a lateral approach. In severely displaced humeral fractures of the upper end, two Kirschner wires are inserted under X-ray control through a epicondyl hole. Pinning can be indicated in others fractures : tibia, radial neck (original procedure), fore arm, humeral supracondylar original procedure and shaft fractures. This closed surgical procedure can always be done; the complication rate is light (no sepsis, no delayed union). Early mobilisation is often possible and cast is not necessary.