Comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes of titanium elastic nail and Kirschner wire in the treatment of pediatric tibia diaphyseal fractures

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of paediatric tibia shaft fractures treated by intramedullary fixation with Kirschner (K) wire and titanium elastic nail (TEN). Materials and Methods: Thirtynine patients were evaluated retrospectively. Included 20 patients treated with TEN (group 1) and 19 patients treated with K-wire (group 2). At the end of the 1-year follow-up, radiological measurements for malalignment and the Flynn TEN outcome scoring system were used to compare the clinical results. Results: According to the Flynn classification, in group 1, results were excellent in 75% and good in 25%, and in group 2, excellent in 70% and good in 30%. In any cases has not been experienced physeal early closure or refracture, nor did they need re-manipulation or re-operation, and no implant insufficiency was detected. Malalignment was found in four patients in group 1, and in two patients in group 2 of lesser than 10 degrees. Conclusions: Even though two methods showed similar clinical and radiological results, fixation paediatric tibial fractures with K-wire may have some advantages as lower-cost and easy accessibility according to TEN.

Keywords

• çocuk tibia kırıkları
• titanyum esnek çivi
• kirschner teli
• pediatric tibia fracture
• titanium elastic nail
• kirschner wire