Complication and its prevention during long bone fractures treated with interlocking nail / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the cause for complications of the long bone fractures treated with the interlocking nail and indicate the prevention and treatment measures. Methods From January 1998 to May 2000,168 patients with long bone fractures were treated with the interlocking nail. Of them, there were 77 cases of femoral fractures, 67 tibial fractures and 24 humeral fractures. Results All patients were followed up for 5-24 months. Complications occurred in 14 cases (8.33%) including 4 cases of infections, 1 lower limb necrosis, 2 internal fixation failure due to incorrect indication, 2 re-fractures during the operation, 2 distal screw misinserted,1 nail into the ankle joint, 1 distal screw broken and 1 distal screw loosening. Conclusions We should attach great importance to the following points during treatment of long bone fractures with interlocking nail(1) The indications must be correctly handled. (2) The technique for interlocking nail must be performed strictly during operation; close inserting nail is proposed.(3) As for the comminuted fractures, bone continuity should be reconstructed and the time to start weight bearing properly delayed. (4) C-Arm X-ray supervision is necessary during operation.