Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation for Femur Shaft Fractures in Children: A Treatment Concepts for Developing Countries

BACKGROUND Fractures shaft femur is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with lower extremity injuries. AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intramedullary Kirschner wires for the treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic surgery in M. M. Medical College from June 2005 to June 2010. Sixty eight children with a mean age of 7.7 years (range, 2-14 years) were recruited from Emergency and out patient department having closed fracture of femoral shaft. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. All patients were followed for twelve months. RESULTS Out of sixty eight patients, sixty four patients underwent union in 42 to 70 days with a mean of 56 days. Touch down weight bearing was started on 2(nd) post-operative day. Complications found in four patients who had insignificant delayed union which were united next three weeks. Intramedullary Kirschner-wires were removed after an average of five months without any complications. The results were excellent in 94.1% (64/68) and good in 5.8% (4/68). CONCLUSION This technique is simple, quick to perform, safe and reliable and avoids prolonged hospitalization with good results and is economical.