Comparision Of Intramedullary Nailing (Rush Nail) Vs. Plate Fixation In Treating Monteggia Fractures In Children

Background: Monteggia fractures are a type of pediatric injury that is regularly encountered and needs decent treatment. Surgical repair usually consists of nailing within the bone (intramedullary- Rush nail) or fixation with a plate. Results of clinical outcomes depend on both the specific benefits and the setbacks of any particular method. The best fixation techniques are controversial regarding the enhancement of functional outcomes and bone healing in children. Objectives: Comparing intramedullary nailing with plate fixation in treating Monteggia fractures in children by giving emphasis to the time of healing, rate of complications, and functional improvement. Study design: A cross sectional study. Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopedic DHQ Hospital Mishti Maila Orakzai KPK Pakistan From 05 October 2023 To 05 March 2024 Methods: This Cross sectional study was conducted in Department Of Orthopedic DHQ Hospital Mishti Maila KPK Pakistan from 05 October 2023 to 05 March 2024. all the children who had plate fixation of Monteggia fractures compared to Rush nailing. Healing of the fractures, functional results, complication, and reduced radial head were evaluated during follow-up. A statistical test was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the two methods by focusing on the p-value of significance. Results: The mean age of 8.5 years (SD \pm 3.1) out of 100 patients. Among the 50 patients treated by Rush nailing, 23 had achieved full union of the bone in 12 weeks. Fixation using plates led to 50 patients having an union in 10 weeks. Fracture healing time was another variable whose p-value was 0.02 indicating that plate fixation was statistically significant. Conclusion: Monteggia fractures can be effectively treated by both nailing the Rush and plate fixation in children. Nevertheless, plate fixation showed better results during the healing process. Study is necessary to understand how to fixate fractures, depending on their complexity, as optimally as possible.