Retrograde femoral nailing: a modified technique for unusual femoral shaft fractures

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the results of modified retrograde femoral nailing using conventional AO antegrade femoral nailing system. Retrospective analysis of data was done at the department of orthopedics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from July 2002 to September 2003. Five patients [3 males and 2 females] under went retrograde femoral nailing; the indications were ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures, morbid obesity, hip abduction contracture and in situ ipsilateral internal fixation device at the hip. Mean age of the patients was 55 years [range of 20 - 86 yrs] Patients were followed over 24 - 64 weeks [mean 38 weeks]. All cases had clinical and radiological union within 12 weeks and all except one patient had full range of motion at the knee. No patient had wound infection or anterior knee pain. Using the modified technique retrograde femoral nailing was found to be a safe and effective treatment option in well selected patients