Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail (ESIN) versus Plating in Adolescent Forearm Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Paediatric fractures involving both bones of the forearm's diaphysis are often treated using various treatment strategies. Nevertheless, when it comes to the teenage demographic, forearm fractures provide a greater challenge because to their limited ability for remodeling. Consequently, surgical interventions such as Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail (ESIN) or plating are often used for the treatment of forearm fractures in adolescents.Objectives: The main objective of this prospective study is to compare between fixation of both bone forearm fractures in adolescents using ESIN and Plating.Patients and methods: Forty patients, aged (10-16 years) presented with both bone forearm fractures, patients with odd numbers (20 patients group A) were treated with ESIN and patients with even numbers (20 patients group B) were treated with plating, the main outcomes measures including fracture reunion time, forearm rotation, site of maximum radial bow, and complications.Results: A significant difference (p-value < 0.001) was detected between the two procedure regarding mean operative time ( 55 min in ESIN versus 90 min in plating group ), superficial infection (20% ESIN versus 0% plating, p-value =0.05), mean fluoroscopy time ( 59.5 seconds in ESIN versus 3 seconds in plating group, p-value < 0.001), Insignificant differences between the groups regarding the time of union and range of motion.Conclusion: We concluded that ESIN and plating in adolescent patients for both‑bone forearm fractures are equally effective treatment, each procedure has it’s advantages and disadvantages.