Authors :
Dr. Deepak Vyas; Dr. Pradeep Tiwari; Dr. Danish Akhtar
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3b672sa5
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/43p4vx89
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2463
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Pediatric forearm fractures are among the most common long bone injuries in children and adolescents. While
conservative management remains effective for many cases, unstable and displaced diaphyseal fractures often require
surgical stabilization to achieve optimal alignment and functional recovery. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN)
has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective technique that provides stable fixation while preserving periosteal blood
supply and promoting early mobilization.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of elastic stable intramedullary nailing in pediatric
forearm fractures.
Methods:
This study reviews the outcomes of ESIN in pediatric patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures, focusing on fracture
union, functional recovery, and complication rates. Evidence from multiple clinical studies was analyzed to assess the
effectiveness and safety of the technique. Parameters such as time to union, range of motion, and complication profile were
considered in evaluating outcomes.
Results:
ESIN demonstrates high rates of fracture union with excellent functional outcomes in the majority of pediatric
patients. Most studies report rapid fracture healing, minimal soft tissue disruption, and early return to daily activities.
Functional outcomes, including restoration of forearm rotation and strength, are generally satisfactory, with low rates of
malunion or nonunion. Complications such as nail irritation, infection, and refracture are relatively uncommon and
usually manageable without significant long-term morbidity. Comparative studies have shown ESIN to be superior or
equivalent to plating techniques in terms of functional outcome, operative time, and cosmetic results.
Conclusion:
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a reliable, safe, and minimally invasive method for the management of
pediatric forearm fractures. It offers excellent clinical and functional outcomes with a low complication rate, making it a
preferred treatment modality for unstable diaphyseal fractures in children.
References :
- Schmittenbecher NJ. State-of-the-art treatment of forearm shaft fractures. Injury. 2005;36(Suppl 1):A25–A34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2004.12.020
- Lascombes P, Prevot J, Ligier JN, Metaizeau JP. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in forearm shaft fractures in children: 85 cases. J Pediatr Orthop. 1990;10(2):167–171. https://doi.org/10.1097/01241398-199003000-00007
- Flynn JM, Waters PM. Single-bone fixation of both-bone forearm fractures. J Pediatr Orthop. 1996;16(5):655–659. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004694-199609000-00008
- Houshian S, Bajaj SK. Forearm fractures in children: functional outcome after elastic stable intramedullary nailing. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2005;14(5):322–325. https://doi.org/10.1097/01202412-200509000-00005
- Furlanetto R, et al. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in pediatric forearm fractures: clinical and radiographic outcomes. Acta Orthop Belg. 2014;80(2):210–216.
- Luhmann SJ, Gordon JE, Schoenecker PL. Intramedullary fixation of unstable both-bone forearm fractures in children. J Pediatr Orthop. 1998;18(4):451–456. https://doi.org/10.1097/01241398-199807000-00006
- Zionts LE, Zalavras CG. Intramedullary nailing of unstable forearm fractures in children. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2005;13(7):407–415. https://doi.org/10.5435/00124635-200511000-00002
- Bowman EN, et al. Forearm fractures in children: risk factors and outcomes of treatment. J Pediatr Orthop. 2011;31(1):23–29. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0b013e3182031f1c
- Fernandez FF, et al. Elastic intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation in pediatric forearm fractures. Injury. 2008;39(12):1452–1456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2008.01.013
- Garg NK, et al. Titanium elastic nailing in pediatric forearm fractures: functional outcome study. Indian J Orthop. 2012;46(1):48–53. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5413.91633
- Sharma SP, et al. Evaluation of intramedullary nailing in pediatric forearm fractures. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2016;7(Suppl 2):130–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2016.06.012
- Singh AK, et al. Outcome of titanium elastic nailing in pediatric long bone fractures. Int Orthop. 2014;38(6):1235–1240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-014-2290-3
- Pogorelić Z, et al. Flexible intramedullary nailing for pediatric forearm fractures: a retrospective study. Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2012;22(5):378–382. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1320013
- Barry M, Paterson JM. Flexible intramedullary nails in pediatric fractures. Injury. 2004;35(5):498–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2003.10.022
- Hunter JB. Outcomes of elastic intramedullary fixation in children’s fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005;(432):90–94. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.blo.0000150149.03865.8c
- Gordon JE, et al. Pediatric forearm fractures: treatment trends and outcomes. J Pediatr Orthop. 2007;27(5):507–512. https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0b013e318070cc2b
- Patel NK, et al. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children: clinical outcomes and complications. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2013;21(2):160–164. https://doi.org/10.1177/230949901302100210
- Mishra AN, et al. Functional and radiological outcomes of titanium elastic nails in pediatric forearm fractures. J Orthop Case Rep. 2017;7(3):45–49. https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.801
- Bhuyan SK, et al. Titanium elastic nailing in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures: a prospective study. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2010;18(3):308–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/230949901001800313
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- How to cite this article: vyas D,tiwari P,akhtar D ,Evaluation of Functional Recovery and Radiological Healing After Elastic Intramedullary Nailing in Pediatric Forearm Fractures: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Background:
Pediatric forearm fractures are among the most common long bone injuries in children and adolescents. While
conservative management remains effective for many cases, unstable and displaced diaphyseal fractures often require
surgical stabilization to achieve optimal alignment and functional recovery. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN)
has emerged as a minimally invasive and effective technique that provides stable fixation while preserving periosteal blood
supply and promoting early mobilization.
Objective:
To evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of elastic stable intramedullary nailing in pediatric
forearm fractures.
Methods:
This study reviews the outcomes of ESIN in pediatric patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures, focusing on fracture
union, functional recovery, and complication rates. Evidence from multiple clinical studies was analyzed to assess the
effectiveness and safety of the technique. Parameters such as time to union, range of motion, and complication profile were
considered in evaluating outcomes.
Results:
ESIN demonstrates high rates of fracture union with excellent functional outcomes in the majority of pediatric
patients. Most studies report rapid fracture healing, minimal soft tissue disruption, and early return to daily activities.
Functional outcomes, including restoration of forearm rotation and strength, are generally satisfactory, with low rates of
malunion or nonunion. Complications such as nail irritation, infection, and refracture are relatively uncommon and
usually manageable without significant long-term morbidity. Comparative studies have shown ESIN to be superior or
equivalent to plating techniques in terms of functional outcome, operative time, and cosmetic results.
Conclusion:
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a reliable, safe, and minimally invasive method for the management of
pediatric forearm fractures. It offers excellent clinical and functional outcomes with a low complication rate, making it a
preferred treatment modality for unstable diaphyseal fractures in children.