[Age-specific treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children].

In the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children, the age, the anatomy of the epiphyseal plates, the vascularisation of the femoral head and the length of hospital stay play an important role. The degree in which a malposition after a femoral shaft fracture is corrected by growth depends on the size, the location and the type of dislocation, and on the residual growth potential of the child. In children up to the age of 4, treatment with traction followed by spica casting almost always gives good results. Children up to age 12 are preferably treated with elastic intramedullary nails, if necessary in combination with a spica cast. In special cases, plate osteosynthesis or external fixation can be used. Children older than 12 years are often too heavy for treatment using elastic nails. Because of the still open growth plate of the greater trochanter, the vascularisation of the femoral head and the diameter of the femur, a standard adult intramedullary nail is not always suitable. Recently, a smaller nail for adolescents was developed, which is currently being tested.