A Clinical Study on Titanium Elastic Nail System in the Treatment of Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures in Paediatric Age Group

Abstract

Background:TEN is a relatively new technique used in tibia fractures, which has had an increased popularity in the last decades, and there are few publications on this technique. These nails facilitate callus production by decreasing shear forces and allowing micro movements. They stimulate union by converting their traction forces to compression forces through the three points fixation that is provided. Materials & Methods: A total of 36 patients, twenty five (25) male and eleven (11) female patients (M : F = 2.3 : 1) ranging in age from 6–15 years and a mean age of 9.11 ± 2.44 years with diaphyseal fracture of tibia & road traffic accidents accounted for majority of fractures (69.44% cases) and the remaining comprises fall from height and injuries while playing etc. that met the inclusion criteria underwent treatment with Titanium elastic nails in the Department of Orthopaedics, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College & Hospital, Barpeta Assam, between February 2019 to January 2020.Results: The fracture of both tibia and fibula was found in 25 (69.44 %) cases and among those, in 17/25 (47.22%) cases the fracture of tibia and fibula were in the same level. Close reduction was achieved in 35 (97.22%) cases. A slab was applied for immobilization in 9 cases post operatively. The results were evaluated as per Flynn criteria, 29 (80.56%) had excellent outcome, 6 patients showed good results and 1 case had fair result.Conclusion:TENs is a relatively simple and effective way to stabilize open and close fractures of the tibia in children with few complications allowing early mobilisation and an excellent functional outcome.