Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A meta-analysis of flexible intramedullary nailing versus external fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures.
To compare the difference in efficacy following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) and external fixation (EF) for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane library for relevant studies. We included controlled trials comparing complications between FIN and EF for pediatric femoral shaft fractures published before 25 November 2014. ⋯ On comparison of EF, a low incidence of overall complications [relative risk (RR)=0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.46; P<0.001] and pin-tract infection (RR=0.286, 95% CI: 0.13-0.61; P=0.001), but a high risk of soft tissue irritation (RR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.35-2.56; P<0.001) were found in patients treated with the FIN approach. No significant differences in other complications were found. On the basis of current evidence, the use of FIN leads to fewer complications than EF and may be considered as the first-line approach in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.
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Flexion-type supracondylar fractures are challenging to treat because, unlike extension-type fractures, it is difficult to take advantage of the intact periosteal hinge to stabilize the fracture fragments during percutaneous pinning. Some authors have described closed reduction of these fractures with the elbow in extension, followed by percutaneous K-wire fixation. However, percutaneous pinning with elbow in extension is technically difficult, time consuming, and usually requires the help of a skilled assistant because of persistent fracture instability. To circumvent these difficulties, we utilized a 'push-pull' maneuver, which simplifies the closed reduction and fixation of these difficult fractures. We describe the surgical technique for the 'push-pull' method and report radiographic outcomes of a case series of children with flexion-type supracondylar fractures treated using this technique. A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs of all children who underwent operative treatment of a flexion-type supracondylar humeral fracture using the 'push-pull' method in a tertiary-level children's hospital between January 2009 and January 2014 was carried out. Radiographic outcomes were reported using descriptive statistics. There were a total of nine patients (five females, four males), average age 9.8 years (4-14 years). Seventy-eight percent (7/9 patients) of the children had type III injuries, whereas 22% (two children) had type II injuries. The average duration of surgery was 41 min (24-60 min). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Postoperative radiographic measures showed that the anterior humeral line passed through the middle third of capitellum in 78% of patients (7/9 patients), whereas it passed posterior to it in 22% (two patients). The average humerocapitellar angle was 30° (21-44°) and the anterior coronoid line was unbroken in 44% (4/9 patients). The average humeroulnar angle was 13° (8-20°) of valgus. The 'push-pull' is a safe, effective, and easy method to treat unstable flexion-type supracondylar fractures in children with good radiographic postoperative outcomes. ⋯ level IV.
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We sought to determine the diagnostic utility of additional full-length radiographs of the forearm and humerus for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon and a senior orthopedic resident individually reviewed the initial humerus, forearm, and elbow radiographs of 55 children with a supracondylar humerus fracture and recommended definitive treatment (operative vs. nonoperative) on the basis of the modified Gartland classification. ⋯ All disagreements in the recommended treatment were in fractures classified as Gartland type I versus II fractures. Although two children (4%) had an ipsilateral distal forearm fracture, selective versus routine use of additional full-length radiographs in children with a supracondylar humerus fracture needs to be evaluated further.