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.