Treatment of Comminuted Femoral Shaft Fracture by Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing: Comparision of results between open reduction with cerclage wiring and closed reduction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare of results between open interlocking intramedullary nailing combined with cerclage wiring and closed interlocking intramedullary nailing in treatment of femoral shaft comminuted fracture, we reviewed retrospectively 62 femoral shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively 62 femoral shaft comminuted fractures, who had been followed up for a minimum one year including Winquist-Hansen classification II, III, IV from January 1996 to December 2002. The group I include the patients who treated with closed interlocking intramedullary nailing. The group II include the patients who treated with open interlocking intramedullary nailing combined with cerclage wiring. RESULTS: The average bone union time was 18.6 weeks in group I, 27.6 weeks in group II. The complication included 3 delayed unions, 1 nonunion and shortening of more than two centimeters in 1 patents in group I. In group II, The complication included 2 infections, 7 delayed unions and 3 nonunions. CONCLUSION: We can use open interlocking intramedullary nailing with cerclage wiring in some femur shaft comminuted fractures, but there are many problems and complications. So we must consider it carefully before using this method.