DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0086

Pages: 1060-1063

The aim of this study is to describe the indications, technique and results of operative stabilization of pediatric humeral shaft fractures with titanium elastic nails by lateral dual entry point technique. Ours is a prospective study of all traumatic humeral shaft fractures operated at our hospital between 2009 and 2013. Seven pediatric patients ranging in age from 9 to 15 years (mean age 12.8 years) were treated surgically with titanium elastic nails (TENs) by lateral dual entry point approach and follow up done at 3, 6, 12, 24 weeks and at 36 weeks. Relative surgical indications included open fractures, inability to maintain an acceptable reduction, concomitant lower extremity fractures, and closed head injury. One patient had associated radial nerve injury at presentation. The patients were followed for 9 months. All fractures healed in good alignment. There were no intraoperative complications including neurologic or vascular injury and one patient developed superficial infection postoperatively. One patient with preoperative radial nerve injury recovered on conservative treatment by eight weeks. All the 7 patients return to sports and other activities with no limitations or discomfort. And we conclude that titanium elastic nail fixation is an ideal procedure for treating humeral shaft fractures in which stabilization is indicated as it provides stable fixation, with minimal soft tissue stripping at the fracture site and allows early mobilization of the extremity. In addition, patients with concomitant lower extremity fractures can be mobilized more rapidly because of the increased ability to weight bear through the extremity. The lateral dual entry point approach is better and avoids the injury to ulnar nerve.