RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the failure factors treating femoral shaft fracture with interlocking intramedullary nailing, and to offer the measures for prevention.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From April 1999 to September 2002, among the 213 cases of femoral shaft fracture treated by interlocking intramedullary nailing, 18 were failure. The data of these cases were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The failure cases were divided into 6 types: 3 cases with nail break-down, 7 with distal screw backing out, 3 with proximal screw backing out, 3 with fibrous ankylosis of knee, 2 with late infection. Failure relative factors were regarded to operation technique, incorrect rehabilitation choice of operative indication, quality of interlocking intramedullary nailing.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>An appropriate indication should be chosen as using interlocking intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fracture. The skills should be mastered well. The suitable materials should be chosen carefully. And the rehabilitation exercises should be directed properly. All these are important measures for prevention.</p>