RESUMO
Objective To investigate the early effects of minimally invasive insert in of interlocking intramedullary nails in treatment of femoral shaft fractures. Methods From September 2002 to December 2004, 23 cases of femoral shaft fractures were treated with close reduction and internal fixation using interlocking intramedullary nails. The nail was inserted into the medullary cavity with minimally invasive technique through a small skin incision proximally at the greater trochanter. The mean operative time, volume of transfusion, mean length of hospital stay and early complications after operation were recorded. Results The mean operative time was 90 minutes (ranging from 60 to 150 min) and the mean volume of transfusion was 60 mL (from 0 to 400 mL). There were no early significant complications after operation. The mean hospital duration after operation was 4 days (from 3 to 7 d). Conclusion Minimally invasive insertion of anterograde interlocking nails to treat femoral shaft fractures has advantages of causing little operative trauma, little transfusion, quick rehabilitation and no significant complications after operation
