ABSTRACT
[Objective]To evaluate the clinical effects of retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail(RIIN) for internal fixation of the femoral shaft fractures distal to the isthmian.[Method]Thirty-seven cases(39 limbs) of femoral shaft fractures distal to the isthmian were treated with RIIN from October 1999 to January 2005.Their outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.There were 8 limbs of open fracture and 31 limbs of close fracture.All fractures were fixed statically.[Result]All patients were followed up for 8~24 months,with the average time of 15 months.Two limbs suffered suoerficical infection, all limbs had bony union within 9~20 weeks,with the average time of bone union of 15 weeks.No deep part infection,malunion and nail failure were observed.The rate of being excellence with Merchan evaluation was 97.4%.[Conclusion]Internal fixation with RIIN for femoral shaft ftractures distal to the isthmian can demonstrating good biomechanic property lead to high union rate of fraeture with less complications.The technique of RIIN must be performed strictly during operation and early active functional rehabilitation is the key to obtain good isthmion clinical result.