Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing or the Treatment of Segmental Femoral Shaft Fracture Including Distal Part

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of segmental femoral shaft fracture including distal part. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 15 patients of segmental femoral fracture, who had treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing and followed-up more than 1 year from January 2003 to October 2007. There were 10 men, 5 women, and the mean age was 45 years old. There were associated fracture in 10 cases. We evaluate the time for union, non-union and malunion by radiologic finding and functional assessment by Sanders' criteria. RESULTS: The mean time of union was 21 weeks. There was one delayed union in proximal fracture site. There was no shortening more than 1.5 cm, no angular deformity more than 10 degrees, no postoperative infection or instability. According to Sanders' criteria, there were excellent clinical results in 9 cases, good results in 5 cases and fair result in 1 case. CONCLUSION: The retrograde intramedullary nailing can be a useful method for treatment of segmental femoral shaft fracture including distal part.