Outcomes and complications following flexible intramedullary nailing for the treatment of tibial fractures in children: a meta-analysis

Introduction: Tibial shaft fractures are common occurrence in children and surgical treatment is sometimes required, particularly in unstable or open fractures, and in polytrauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) for both open and closed tibia fractures in children, exploring the main surgical outcomes and rate of complications. Materials and methods: Pubmed/Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central databases were searched following the PRISMA guideline. Studies reporting on the outcomes of FIN for paediatric tibia shaft fractures were included. Weighted means were evaluated for surgical outcomes. Meta-analysis of proportion and odd ratios were used to analyse total complication rates and differences between open and closed fractures. Results: Twenty-eight studies (835 patients) were included; the mean age was 11.0 ± 3.0 years. The mean follow-up was 22.5 ± 13.5 months; the mean time to full weight-bearing was 7.5 ± 3.7 weeks. The total complication rate was 28.1% (minor = 20.7%, major = 6.3%); this was greater in open fractures (13.6% vs 5.1%, p = 0.007). The rate of union was 97.5%, with a mean time to union of 11.9 ± 7.2 weeks. Malunion was found in 8.5% cases, delayed union in 3.8%, non-union in 1.4%, symptomatic hardware in 5.1%, leg-length discrepancy in 5.0%, superficial infections in 2.3%, deep infections in 1.0%, compartment syndromes in 1.4%, and refracture in 0.2%. Almost all patients returned to unrestricted physical activity. Conclusions: FIN offers excellent outcomes for the treatment of paediatric tibia shaft fractures. Patients presenting with an open fracture have a higher but acceptable complication rate. Comparative studies are needed to clarify if other treatments have superior outcomes.