Treatment of the Distal Femur Fracture with Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of the retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of distal femur fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients who received retrograde IM nailing for fractures of the distal femur between October 1998 to December 2003. Average age was 53.8+/-17 (17~86) years. The average follow up period was 19.4 (12~36) months. Clinical information included age, sex distribution, associated fracture and fracture was classified by AO classification. Functional result was evaluated by Schatzker's criteria. RESULTS: The most common cause of injury was traffic accident (60%). The type of fracture were 6 A1 cases, 5 A2 cases, 11 A3 cases, 5 C2 cases, 6 C3 cases by AO classification. Among the 33 cases, 15 cases were excellent, 9 good, 6 fair and 1 failure according to Schatzker's criteria. Average union time was 9.7+/-3.5 months. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distal femur fracture with retrograde intramedullary nailing was useful due to its minimal invasiveness and early range of motion, more rigid fixation.