Primary dynamic interlocking nail in femoral shaft fracture: A case series

Abstract

Introduction and importanceFemoral shaft fracture is one of the most frequent injuries encountered by an orthopedic surgeon. Surgical treatment is commonly needed. Intramedullary nailing remains the gold-standard in surgical treatment of femoral shaft fracture. One of the constant dilemmas in intramedullary nailing is whether to use a static or dynamic locking screw for treating femoral shaft fractures. Case presentationWe reported three cases of simple femoral shaft fracture and surgically fixed with primary dynamic interlocking nail. Closed reduction with reamed nail was performed in 2 cases, and mini open reduction with un-reamed nail was performed to the other one. Early weight bearing was instructed at day 1 post-operative. Mean follow-up period was 12.6 months. A solid bony union was achieved by all patients, and no complications were observed at the final follow up. Clinical discussionIntramedullary nailing can be made static or dynamic. It is thought that in static mode of the intramedullary nailing, the axial weight is transferred through the locking screws rather than the fracture site, thus altering the callus formation and delaying fracture healing. A prompt dynamization of the fragments allows the contact of both fragments during mobilization and promotes early callus formation. ConclusionPrimary dynamic interlocking nail is an effective option for surgical treatment in simple or short oblique femoral shaft fracture.