Modified Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing: A New Approach for Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Fractures of the Forearm in Children

Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) is the treatment of choice for forearm fractures in children. However, fractures occurring at the distal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DMDJ) of the radius are notoriously difficult to treat. This paper presents a modified ESIN method to treat these fractures. Surgical intervention was considered for fractures with angulation >10 ° in the coronal plane, 20 ° in the sagittal plane, >1 cm of bayoneting, and instability after reduction. A radial approach is used. Once the nail is at the biceps tuberosity, it is retracted by 4 cm and at bent 90 °, and reinserted so that the nail lies against the medial cortex, thereby stabilizing the fracture. Twenty-seven patients were treated, all showing <5° of coronal and sagittal tilt as well as <5 mm of coronal translation and <5° of difference in pronation-supination. This new ESIN method is an effective technique for the treatment of DMDJ fractures on the radius in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Technical note and case series.