Intramedullary nailing of the femur,tibia,and humerus fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of femoral, tibial and humeral fractures treated with locked intramedullary nailing. Methods 546 fractures of femur, tibia, and humerus in 526 patients treated with locked intramedullary nailing from April 1994 to September 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 430 fractures in 412 males, 116 fractures in 114 females, with an average age of 36.4 years. 432 were close fractures, 76 old fractures, and 38 open fractures. With image intensifier, 196 fractures were reduced closely, while 350 fractures failed to be reduced by close manipulation and required open reduction. Bone grafting were undertaken in 161 fractures of the latter group. 485 fractures were reamed, and 61 unreamed. 539 fractures were stabilized statically, and 7 dynamically. The nails were inserted antegradely in 519 fractures, and retrogradely in 27. Dynamization was undertaken in 10 statically locked fractures due to delayed union. The early postoperative weight-bearing was directed. The patients were followed up with an average of 31.6 months (9~123 months). Results Among the 546 fractures, 543 fractures(99.5%) were eventurally healed, with an average union time of 4.4 months. 530 fractures(97.1%)primarily healed, and 13 fractures(2.4%) healed after secondary operation. The complications were 11 delayed unions(2.0%), 4 nonunions(0.7%), 3 malunions(0.5%), 5 bone infections(0.9%), 2 traumatic fractures(0.4%), 9 hip heterotopic ossifications(1.6%), 6 implant failures(1.0%), with 3 nail breakages(0.5%), 3 interlocking screw breakages or back-outs, 1 radial nerve palsy, and 1 fatal pulmonary embolism. The ROM of the hips and the knees were excellent in patients with femoral or tibial fractures. Flexion restriction(90?~125?) of the knee were found in 10 patients. There were 5 and 10 anterior knee pains in femoral and tibial fracture patients respectively. The ratio of excellent and good function of the shoulder was high in the humeral shaft fracture patients, with the abduction less than 90? in 2 patients, extension loss of 15? in 2 elbows, and shoulder pain in 6 patients. Conclusion Interlocking intramedullary nailing is one of the good alternatives in treating long bone fractures, with a higher union rate and a lower complication rate. Close reduction for fresh fracture, open reduction for old fracture, static locking, reaming or unreaming in regard to the site and severity of the fracture, and individualized rehabilitation protocols all contribute to the excellence of the results.