Comparison between reamed and unreamed interlocking intramedullary nailing in femoral shaft fractures

Abstract

Objectives: We compared our results in the treatment of femoral fractures with reamed or unreamed intramedullary femoral nailing. Methods: Patients who underwent treatment with reamed (n=33; 13 females, 20 males; mean age 38 years; range 18 to 69 years) or unreamed (n=29; 8 females, 21 males; mean age 32 years; range 19 to 60 years) intramedullary nailing for isolated femoral fractures were included. The results were compared with respect to union and complications. All the patients had closed fractures. Follow-up examinations were made in 6th, 10th, and 16th weeks postoperatively. Results: The mean durations for union were 23.4 weeks and 25.5 weeks in patients treated with reamed and unreamed nailing, respectively. The only significant difference between the two treatment groups with respect to complications was the occurrence of ectopic ossification (7 patients, 21.2% vs 8 patients, 27.6%; p<0.05). Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing is the method of choice for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures. No significant differences seem to exist between reamed and unreamed nailing with respect to bone healing time and development of complications.