Closure of the femoral medullary canal after retrograde nailing using an in-situ osteochondral autograft–Technical trick and a case series

Abstract

Retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) is the favored over antegrade intramedullary nailing in fractures of the distal femur. It provides a longer working length and allows for multiple distal screw insertion and therefore a more stable construct. Concerns remain regarding the violation of the knee cartilage and the effect this has on knee function. Many studies have shown high incidence of knee pain with reports varying from 20 to 86%. We describe a novel technical trick aiming at partially restoring the knee cartilage of the operated side and decreasing the hemorrhage stemming from the medullary canal. Our experience of the technique and the case series shows that closing the entrance point of the medullary canal after a RIMN procedure leads to better function and less knee pain in the postoperative period.