EFFICACY OF CLOSED REDUCTION INTERNAL FIXATION USING FLEXIBLE INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS FOR TREATING FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES IN PEDIATRIC ATHLETES: AN ANALYSIS OF OUTCOMES AND INFLUENTIAL FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and influencing factors of closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) using flexible intramedullary nails in pediatric athletes with femoral shaft fractures. Methods: This study encompassed 100 pediatric patients with femoral shaft fractures treated between January 2020 and January 2022. Participants were divided into a control group treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using locking compression plates, and an observation group treated with CRIF using flexible intramedullary nails, with 50 patients in each group. We evaluated intraoperative metrics such as bleeding volume and incision length, alongside postoperative recovery indicators including operative time and time until full weight-bearing. Results: The observation group exhibited significantly lower intraoperative bleeding, shorter incision lengths, reduced operative times, and faster transitions to full weight-bearing compared to the control group (P<0.05 for all). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the type of fracture as an independent risk factor for limb overgrowth post-treatment in the CRIF group (P<0.05). Conclusion: CRIF with flexible intramedullary nails offers a minimally invasive alternative to ORIF for treating femoral shaft fractures in pediatric athletes, resulting in quicker recovery and reduced surgical trauma. However, considerations such as fracture type must be evaluated to mitigate risks such as limb overgrowth. Further research is recommended to validate these findings across broader athletic populations.