A study on role of intramedullary interlocking nailing in the complex femoral shaft fractures

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Fractures of the shaft of the femur are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who sustain high energy trauma. Morbidity arises from limb shortening, malalignment, knee contractures and other complications of fracture.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The aim of our study is to analyze the results of complex femoral shaft fractures treated by intramedullary interlocking nailing in our institution. Totally 20 cases of complex femoral fractures from 2007-2009 were treated with intramedullary interlocking at Krishanakumar Orthopedic Care Hospital, Nagercoil were included in our study.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> We found that fracture of femur is most common in 2nd, 3rd and 4th decade of life, with mean age of 35.85 years. Vehicular accident in 17 patients was observed to be the main cause of fracture in our series (85%). 4 patients started full weight bearing at 10th week, 9 patients were able to bear full weight at 12th week, 4 patients at 14th week and 2 at 16th week. Average time of full weight bearing was 12.4 weeks. One patient developed deep infection (osteomyelitis) at 12 weeks and later non union was seen and unable to bear full weight.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Intramedullary interlocking nailing for complex femoral fractures has been established worldwide as the gold standard treatment because of its load sharing property, internal splinting, and rotational stability. These contribute the stable osteosynthesis.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>