Treatment of femoral shaft fractures with interlocking intramedullary nailing

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Fractures of the femoral shaft are one of the most common fractures and may result in extensive disability, prolonged morbidity, or mortality unless appropriate treatment is applied. There are several treatment alternatives. In this study, we evaluated early results of interlocking intramedullary nailing in patients with femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: Femoral fractures of 42 patients (34 males, 8 females; mean age 32 years; range 16 to 67 years) were treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing. The mean follow-up was 14.4 months (range 8 to 32 months). Radiologic and clinical results were evaluated. RESULTS: Union was obtained in all but one patient within a mean duration of 18.2 weeks. Discrepancy of leg length was measured as 10 mm in six patients, and 25 mm in one patient. One patient (2.38%) developed deep infection. Knee flexion was more than 120 degrees in 95.23%. According to Thoresen's criteria, the results were excellent and good in 89% of patients. CONCLUSION: Interlocking intramedullary nailing proved an acceptable alternative in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures.