Comparison Between Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing and Conservative Management in Children with Diaphyseal Femoral Fracture

Objective: To compare the outcome between elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) and conservative management with hip spica cast in children with diaphyseal femoral fractures. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Orthopedic Surgery Department, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from Jan 20 -21. Methodology: Seventy-two (n=72) children with diaphyseal femoral fractures were included and divided into two Groups. Group-A patients were treated with ESIL, whereas Group B patients were treated with Hip Spica Cast.  Post-procedure, patients were followed up, and outcomes were determined. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22. Results: The mean age of seventy-two (n=72) children was 6.86±2.45 years. 40(55.56%) were males and 32(44.44%) were females. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay in Group A was 1.72±0.66 days, while in Group B it was 1.44±0.65 days (p=0.077). The mean time taken for assisted weight bearing in Group A was 57.88±11.75 days, while in Group B it was 67.13±8.65 days (p<0.001). The mean time taken to return to school in Group A was 71.05±12.72 days, while in Group B it was 78.55±13.20 days (p=0.017). Conclusion: ESIN for femoral diaphyseal fracture was associated with early return to assisted weight bearing and early return to school.