Single incision versus two incisions for elastic intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures in children

Abstract

Introduction Tibial shaft fractures are one of the most common long-bone fractures in the pediatric age group. A closed reduction followed by casting is the classical method of treatment in these fractures.the flexible intramedullary may be required in unstable fractures using a 2-incision technique In this technique with the use of a single medial incision, curves are created with one c shape and the other is s shape, Patients and Methods A prospective randomized control study was undertaken to assess the results of elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN)in the fixation of tibial shaft fractures in children using a single incision versus two-incision. Results 30 patients with tibial shaft fractures were treated with EIMN From April 2020 to March 2021 and followed up for 6 months after surgery, the mean age was 8.43 ± 1.55. Group A reported mild postoperative pain, with a significant difference (P value < 0.05) from group B who expressed moderate pain according to FLACCbehavioral Pain Assessment Scale. Conclusion This technique has many advantages. as it is a minimally invasive surgery with a short duration of hospitalization. And single incision adds more privilege to be a minimally invasive surgery and the use of a single medial incision puts putting away any possibility of common peroneal nerve injury.