Comparative analysis of adolescent intramedullary nailing and locking plate fixation for femoral shaft fractures.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Femoral shaft fractures in adolescents are commonly treated with either antegrade intramedullary nailing (AIN) or lateral plate (LP) fixation. This study compared the clinical outcomes of these two methods.

Methods

Adolescent patients with femoral shaft fractures were randomly assigned to either the AIN group (n = 62) or the LP group (n = 62). Surgical parameters, early recovery metrics, levels of inflammatory cytokines, pain mediators, and bone metabolism markers were assessed.

Results

The AIN group had significantly shorter incision lengths (6.8 vs. 8.5 cm, p < 0.001) and lower intraoperative blood loss (120 vs. 170 ml, p < 0.001) compared to the LP group. AIN patients began weight-bearing activities earlier (34 vs. 47 days,

SUBMITTER: Huang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310659 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature