Retrograde femoral nail for distal femoral fractures

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to review and evaluate the use of Targon retrograde femoral nail ( Targon RF® nail ) for distal femoral fractures at Al Jalaa Trauma Hospital, a teaching hospital belongs to Benghazi University. Subjects and method: We reviewed 37 fractures in 36 patients treated by Targon RF nail between 2006 and 2015. The fractures consisted of 18 type A1, 14 type A3, 3 type C1, and 2 type C2 fractures. The relationship between clinical results and fracture type, surgical approach, and patient age were retrospectively reviewed. Results: All fractures healed clinically and radiologically. Twenty five patients maintained gait performance almost equivalent to that before injury, the rest had less satisfying performance because of associated injuries or fractures which delayed rehabilitation. Average operating time was 115 min±40 min. ROM in the knee of all patients was -5º±5º in extension and 110º±20º in flexion. Extension lag was affected by age and surgical approach. There were seven cases of valgus/varus deformities, and two cases with loosening of distal and proximal locking screws, but no breakage of screws or nail failure. Conclusion: Targon RF nail for distal femur fractures was satisfactory in our patients