Intramedullary nailing; gunshot comminuted femur fractures, experience in a tertiary care hospital at Karachi

ABSTRACT

Gunshot comminuted fractures of femoral shaft are complicated fractures to treat in orthopedic practice, resulting in prolonged morbidity and extensive disability. Intramedullary interlocking nail is a well-established operative procedure for the management of this entity. The objective of this study is to find out the healing of gunshot comminuted fracture of shaft of femur treated by interlocking nails. This study was conducted at Civil Hospital Karachi during July 2009 to December 2009.Forty three patients sustaining gunshot comminuted fracture of shaft of femur were selected. All patients then underwent fracture stabilization by locking intramedullary nail. The main outcome measure was fracture healing [i.e. callus formation] on X-ray at six months of follow-up. The SPSS version 13 was applied to the data. Majority of the patients [46.5%] were between 18-30 years of age group with mean age of 36.05[+12.53] years. Males were affected more than females with male to female ratio being 4.31. Healing [i.e. callus formation] was achieved in 39[90.7%] patients radiographically at the end of six-months. Intramedullary interlocking nail is safe and effective procedure in the management of gunshot comminuted fractures of femur shaft as it is associated with good healing