Comparison of External Fixation and Internal Fixation for the Treatment of Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare external versus internal fixation for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children in terms of post-operative results. Method: This randomized controlled trail was done using probability simple random sampling technique from January 2012 to March 2016. Our sample size was 80 patients between 7 to 10-years of age with closed transverse femoral shaft fractures. Diagnosis was made on history, clinical examination and radiographs. These patients were divided into groups A and B. In group A, femoral shaft fractures were fixed with flexible intramedullary nail (IM) and in group B fractures were fixed with Arbeitsgemeinschaft fair Osteosyntheseftagen (AO) External fixator. The results were compared in terms of hospital stay, time taken for fracture union, delayed union, non-union, infection rate, implant failure, limb length discrepancy and patient compliance. Results: Out of total 80 patients, Majority 21 patients (52.5%) in group A were between the ages of 7 to 8-year with their mean ages (8.38 +/- 0.9967), and in Group-B was 22 (55%) were between 9 to 10-year with with mean ages (8.492 +/- 1.076). Mean union time with standard deviation (Mean +/- SD), in group A was (9.375 +/- 1.371) and in Group B, it was (8.9 +/- 1.38) weeks. Conclusion: External fixation with Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) External fixator was found better treatment option for osteosynthesis in children femoral shaft fractures in terms of union, short hospital stay, low infection rate and better patient's compliance.