Role of retrograde short nail in the treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures (extra-articular type A)

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the results of retrograde short nailing in the treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures (type A, extra-articular fracture).BackgroundThe incidence of distal femur fractures is increasing in our country as traffic accidents increase. Problems with distal femur fractures may not be limited to the femur itself, but may extend to internal knee structures.Patients and methodsThis work was a prospective study of 30 patients with supracondylar femoral fractures (extra-articular type A) treated with a short retrograde femoral nail. All patients were evaluated both clinically and radiologically through routine follow-up visits and all information concerning each patient was collected and recorded using the patient information sheet and data were tabulated and evaluated.ResultsIn our study of 30 patients with type A supracondylar fractures treated with a retrograde nail, we found excellent results in eight patients, good results in 16 patients, fair results in four patients, and poor results in two patients (P > 0.040).ConclusionTreatment of supracondylar femoral fractures (type A, extra-articular fracture) with a retrograde short nail yields satisfactory results in adults.