Treatment Of Diaphyseal Femur Fractures Research Articles

Differentiated approach to the treatment of femoral fractures in children 0–7 years old using osteosynthesis with flexible titanium rods

Background. Fractures of the femur, especially its diaphysis, are quite common in pediatric practice. One of the priorities in the treatment of hip fractures in children is elastic stable intramedullary osteosynthesis with flexible titanium rods (ESIN/TEN), however, the frequency of using conservative methods also remains high. Aim. To differentiate the approach to the treatment of femoral fractures in children aged 0–7 years. Materials and methods. The immediate results of treatment of femoral fractures in 118 children aged 0 to 7 years (mean age 3.3±1.8 years) were studied. The main group consisted of 62 children who underwent surgical treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures, while ESIN osteosynthesis was performed in 56 patients. The reference group was formed by a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 56 children who received conservative treatment of hip fractures. Results. Compared with conservative methods, with ESIN, the overall rate of early complications (skin reaction) was significantly lower, there were no complications from the internal organs (kidneys, lungs), and there were 3 (4.8%) cases of fixative migration. The severity of pain after 3 weeks from the start of treatment in the main group decreased to 2.4±0.1 points (mild pain), and in the reference group – to 4.5±0.3 points (moderate pain; p=0.013). The average length of stay of patients in the hospital in the main group was 7.3±2.4 days, in the reference group – 21.2±5.9 days (p=0.008). Conclusion. ESIN is the optimal method of stabilization for diaphyseal fractures of the femur in children aged 0 to 7 years. The advantages of ESIN over conservative methods are lower morbidity, greater pain relief, and shorter hospital stays for children.

Outcome of Flexible Intramedullary Nailing versus Plating in Treatment of Diaphyseal Femur Fractures in Paediatrics: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Pediatric femoral fractures are the most the common long bone fracture in children, with one third of these occurring between ages 5 to 12. These injuries are usually the result of road traffic accidents, sports and non-accidental injury. Different modalities exist for managing these fractures, often stratified according to the age of the patient. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to provide a complete overview of the optimal surgical treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children by evaluating and comparing the clinical and functional outcomes of flexible intramedullary nailing versus plating for such fractures. Patients and Methods This review followed the Cochrane Handbook's standard methodology and reported the findings in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Result In patients undergoing flexible nailing, the surgical variable data found this treatment modality to be superior in terms of certain operative features: shorter operative duration times (p = 0.00001), smaller volumes of estimated blood loss (p = 0.00001). There was no difference regarding length of hostital stay (p = 0.59). This suggests that flexible nailing may offer increased safety to patients in terms of duration of anesthesia, volume of blood loss, and cost of surgery when compared to plating. However, Secondary outcome analysis also found a statistically significant increased risk of malunion (p = 0.002) and metalwork irritation (p = 0.00001) when using FIN compared to plating techniques. There was no difference regarding risk of infection (p = 0.53) and developing leg length discrepancy (p = 0.44). Conclusion Options for stabilization and fixation in this age group include flexible nailing, plating (open or sub-muscular), external fixation, or hybrid techniques.

Comparing the Outcomes of Titanium and Stainless Steel Flexible Nails in Repairing Pediatric Long Bone Fractures.

Traditionally, pediatric femoral fracture treatment favored conservative methods, relying on casting and the inherent bone remodeling ability in immature bones. Surgical intervention was deferred until age 6, as nonoperative approaches often resulted in complications. Titanium elastic nailing (TENS) emerged as an effective treatment for diaphyseal femoral fractures in ages 6 to 16. However, the choice between TENS and stainless steel elastic nailing (SSENS) remains debated due to inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both nailing systems in pediatric long bone fractures. A retrospective chart review at William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak included 83 patients aged 6 to 16 treated with TENS or SSENS between January 2011 and January 2021. Data collected encompassed nail related issues, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, and nail removal. In the TENS group (n=29), the average age was 8.8±2.4 years, and the average BMI was 17.2±3.4. The SSENS group (n=54) had an average age of 9.3±2.7 and an average BMI of 19.7±8.4. Time to fracture union for TENS was 93.8±60.5 days, while SSENS was 82.2±40.0 days. This study found no statistically significant differences in nail-related complications, time to fracture union, full weight bearing, or nail removal between TENS and SSENS in pediatric long bone fractures. The choice between these systems should be based on individual circumstances. Limitations include a small sample size and the study's retrospective nature.

DESFECHOS DO TRATAMENTO CIRÚRGICO DA FRATURA DIAFISÁRIA DO FÊMUR NA CRIANÇA POLITRAUMATIZADA

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in polytraumatized children, considering consolidation rate, complications, and function as outcomes of interest. Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of medical records of patients treated from 2012 to 2021. The 39 patients (41 femurs) were divided into four groups according to the method of osteosynthesis. We used the IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 20 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL), and performed Chi-square, Fisher, Kruskal-Wallis, and Shapiro-Wilk tests with a significance level of 5%. Results: We observed six complications among patients. Functional outcomes were satisfactory in 40 cases (97.6%) and unsatisfactory in one case (2.40%) according to the adopted criteria. We found one case (2.40%) of non-union and one case (2.40%) of malunion, whereas 39 cases (95.20%) achieved full consolidation. Conclusions: Flexible intramedullary nails and external fixators are the preferred options for patients aged 5 to 10 years. Intramedullary nails, plates, or external fixators are prioritized for patients over 11 years old. The type and pattern of fractures were considered relevant for treatment selection. Level of evidence III, Therapeutic study - Investigation of outcomes and treatment. Comparative retrospective study.

Use of a Retrograde Guidewire to Direct an Antegrade Femoral Nail.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing for the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures may present challenges in obtaining appropriate positioning of the distal tip of the nail. Known mismatch between the radius of curvature of commonly used nails and the anatomic bow of the femur may result in impingement or perforation of the anterior cortex of the distal femur. Additionally, some unique scenarios may arise that complicate traditional antegrade wire passage. We report our surgical technique and clinical experience using a retrograde guidewire to direct an antegrade femoral nail to aid in obtaining a desired central location of the distal nail tip. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):e132-e135.].

Paediatric Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures in a South Wales Tertiary Centre: An Account of Trend in Management and Complications Over 16 Years.

Femoral shaft fractures in children have seen a number of interesting developments over the past 20 years. This is a retrospective cohort study looking into epidemiological and outcomes data of femoral shaft fractures in children treated at a tertiary centre in Wales from 2005-2021. Over a period of 16 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of rigid or elastic nailing and submuscular plating, coinciding with a dramatic reduction of external fixation for definitive treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures. All patients above five years of age underwent operative fixation, with elastic or rigid intramedullary nailing the treatment of choice. Following multiple linear regression with 16 possible explanatory factors, this study found a statistically significant increase in time to union for open fractures, pre-operative translation, and operation time. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in post-operative leg length discrepancy for right versus left-sided fractures. Overall complication rates were 4% for minor and 8% for major complications. Complication rates were lowest for rigid intramedullary nailing and highest for external fixation. No cases of avascular necrosis were found for 27 rigid intramedullary nails inserted. Overall this study reports treatment choices and outcomes in keeping with current trends in management for paediatric femoral shaft fractures.

Outcomes of diaphyseal femur fractures treated by long- and short-term traction methods in pre-school children

This study aimed to compare the effects of the traditional short- and long-term traction methods on the union and angulation of femoral fractures in pre-school children. Thirty-six patients aged 0–6 years, with diaphyseal femur fractures, who had undergone a conservative treatment, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their traction times before the application of the hip spica cast: 0–10 days of traction (Group A) and 11–21 days of traction (Group B). After the completion of the union and the removal of the casts, bone scans were performed and the angulations in the coronal and sagittal planes were comparatively evaluated, as well as the lengths of the lower extremities. The mean age of the patients was 4.2 ± 1.94 years. Hip spica casts were applied to 17 patients after short-term traction and 19 patients after long-term traction. The mean length of hospital stays of the patients who were applied the hip spica casts after short-term and long-term tractions were 8.4 and 19.3 days, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between groups A and B regarding hospital stay (p 0.05). Hip spica casting after short-term traction can be used as a safe alternative method in the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in preschool children due to its adequate stability and shorter length of hospital stay.

Functional assessment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in pediatric age group managed by titanium elastic nail system: A prospective study

Background: Femoral shaft fractures are common childhood injuries and are among common causes for hospitalization in children. Treatment varies with child's age. There is little room for question in treatment guidelines in children below the age of 3 years, but in the age group of 4–14 years, it is still a matter of debate. There is a trend toward surgical intervention with the advent of newer surgical techniques. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcome of titanium elastic nail system (TENS) for the treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures in this age group. Materials and Methods: This study included 63 children between 4 and 14 years of age who sustained femoral diaphyseal fractures and were managed by TENS nailing during the period of the study between April 2017 and April 2020. Results: All patients showed union; there were no cases of nonunion or delayed union or implant failure. Three patients had exposed implant, and 15 developed superficial infections which subsided with antibiotic treatment. Forty-eight patients had excellent Flynn score, and 15 had a satisfactory score. Conclusion: In our series of patients, we concluded that TENS nailing in the study group was easy and reliable. As it is a load-sharing device and does not violate the physis, it allows early mobilization and maintenance of alignment. Other notable advantages include decreased risk of infection and undisturbed fracture hematoma. Superficial infection was one of the commonly observed complications which subsided with oral antibiotics.

Retrospective study of operative (Rush pin) versus conservative (Hip spica) management in treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children

Retrospective study of operative (Rush pin) versus conservative (Hip spica) management in treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children

Retrospective, multicenter evaluation of complications in the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in pediatric patients

IntroductionFemoral shaft fractures are the commonest major pediatric fractures. For generations, traction and casting were the standard method of treatment for children. However, over the past two decades there has been growing recognition of the advantages of fixation and rapid mobilization. MethodsA prospective multicenter study was conducted at four Italian centers of reference for pediatric fractures (January 2005 to December 2014). The study involved 62 patients of both sexes, between 6 and 14 years of age, with closed femoral shaft fractures. The aim was to find out more about the short-term complications of titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femur fractures in children in order to reduce them. ResultsThe commonest complication observed in our study was pain at the nail entry point (24.19%) due to a local inflammatory reaction. After 1 year, 3.22% had limbs of different lengths. Proximal migration occurred in 1.61% of cases. DiscussionOver the last two decades, the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in pediatric patients has developed to include internal fixation using Titanium Elastic Nails (TEN). We only observed a few complications in our study, most of which were minor and associated with the surgical technique employed, particularly during the initial phase of the surgeon’s learning curve. ConclusionsTEN are an excellent internal fixation system if used by an expert surgeon and have a very low rate of complications. None of them produced permanent damage in the patients. In older children weighing more than 50 kg, alternative techniques such as subtrochanteric nailing, plates, or external fixation are advisable.

Locking plate fixation in pediatric femur fracture: evaluation of the outcomes in our experience.

Background and Aim: Femoral shaft fracture is a common traumatic musculoskeletal injures in pediatric population. The treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures depends on age patient and pattern fracture. We present our record about the use of locking plate fixation and their outcomes. Method: We conduct a retrospective analysis in 22 patients, surgically treated for 26 diaphyseal femur fracture between 2008 and 2013. The mean age was 13 years. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up for two years. We recorded time to weight bearing, time to union, complication (malalignment, dysmetria, infection), time to resumption to sport, plate removal, parents’ satisfaction. Results: All the patients had a minimal clinical e radiological follow-up of 24 months. The average fracture healing time was of 7.4 weeks. All the patients had a full hip and knee range of movements. Fifteen patients developed minor malalignment (varo-valgus or procurvatum femur) without clinical effects. No cases of infections. The mean time to a full weight bearing was 12 weeks and the return to sportive activity was 24 weeks. Four patients required a plate and screws removal. The average result of parents’ satisfaction was 8/10. Conclusions: Locking plate fixation is to be considered a successful way of treatment for pediatric femur fractures, especially in patients older than 6 years, head-injured or in the treatment of polytrauma. The anatomic and functional outcomes are comparable to those of other fixation techniques for this kind of fracture. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Veterinary Cuttable Plate in a Plate-Rod Construct for Repair of Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures in the Cat.

This study evaluated retrospectively the effectiveness of the veterinary cuttable plate (VCP) in a plate-rod construct, for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats. A total of 29 cats with diaphyseal femoral fracture underwent stabilization with a VCP-rod construct. Fractures were classified as type A (7/29), type B (11/29) and type C (11/29) following the AO classification. Biological osteosynthesis was elected in three type B and 10 type C fractures, and open approach in the other cases. Pin diameter was 2 mm (n = 16) or 2.5 mm (n = 13); this corresponded to a percentage of pin occupation of 39.9 and 53.0% of the intramedullary cavity respectively. The 2.0/2.7-mm VCP and 2-mm screws were used in all cases. The median length of the VCP was 12 holes, and the median number of screws placed in the plate was 6. The median number of cortices engaged per fragment was 6. Ninety-nine percent of the screws were bicortical. Quadriceps contracture was an unacceptable functional outcome in one cat. Follow-up was available in 20 cases. Complete bone healing was assessed in 16/20 cases with a functional outcome considered as full in 17/20, acceptable in 2/20, and unacceptable in 1/20. Telephonic owner outcome assessment was available for five more cats and was considered as full in all cases. The VCP-rod construct is effective to manage all configurations of diaphyseal femoral fracture in cats. The high amount of screw holes per unit length of a VCP allows bicortical screws placement without interfering with the intramedullary rod.

Analysis of the Impact of Configuration of the Stabilisation System for Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures on the State of Stresses and Displacements.

Introduction The treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures by intramedullary nailing has become a common procedure in orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this numerical simulation was to present how the changes in configuration of the stabilisation system can affect the stress and displacement state in the bone tissue and implanted device. Material and Methods The numerical comparison of the stabilisation variants for the type 32-A2 femoral diaphyseal fracture (according to the AO classification) performed by using the Charfix2 (ChM®) anatomical nail locked in a number of chosen ways. The displacement and the stress distributions both in the bone and implant were obtained and analysed by computational simulation. Results In all models, there was the same characteristic distribution, which shows there were minimal rotational movements of the bone around the anatomical axis. In all cases, stress concentrations were generated in the nail material in the area of the fracture gap. Conclusions The obtained results indicate that there is a visible advantage to one-plane distal stabilisation in the reduction of stresses regardless of the type of proximal stabilisation. The results of calculations indicate that the use of proximal stabilisation with a neck screw reduces the possibility of damage to the implant.

Flexible intramedullary nailing for femoral diaphyseal fractures in children

Background & Objectives: Although various treatment options are available for the treatment of femoral diaphyesal fractures in children, the titanium flexible nailing has gained popularity because it is safe, easy procedure with rapid recovery and high success rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of titanium elastic nails in treating paediatric femoral diaphyesal fractures at Patan Hospital.Materials & Methods: There were 35 cases which were all fixed with titanium flexible intramedullary nail under image intensifier at the Patan hospital from January 2013 and December 2015. Patients were evaluated in follow-ups to observe the alignment of fracture, infection, delayed union, nonunion, limb length discrepancy, implant failure, range of movement of hip and knee joints, and time to unite the fracture. The final results were evaluated using criteria of titanium elastic nail (TEN) outcome score described by Flynn et al.Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.51 years. Among 35 patients (22 boys and 13 girls), there were 19 mid-shaft fractures, nine proximal third fractures and seven distal third fractures. Fracture patterns were transverse (22), oblique (10), spiral (2), and comminuted (2). The mean time for fracture union was 8.17 weeks radiologically whereas 9.83 weeks clinically. According to TEN outcome score, excellent and good results were in 28 cases (80%) and seven cases (20%) respectively.Conclusion: Flexible titanium nailing is a safe and satisfactory treatment for diaphyseal femoral fractures in children, because it provides rapid recovery, short rehabilitation and immobilization as well as very high union rate with few complications.

Titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below six years of age

AIMTo report the clinical and radiographic results of titanium elastic nail (TEN) in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below age of six years.METHODSA retrospective analysis of 27 diaphyseal femoral fractures in children younger than six years treated with TEN between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 5 wk and the nails were removed from 6 to 12 wk after surgery. Twenty-four cases were clinically and radiographically re-evaluated using the Flynn’s scoring criteria, focusing on: Limb length discrepancy, rotational deformity, angulation, hip and knee range of motion (ROM), functional status, complications, and parent’s satisfaction.RESULTSSixteen males and eight females with a mean age of 3.2 years at the time of treatment were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of 58.9 mo. No cases of delayed union were observed. The mean limb lengthening was 0.3 cm. Four cases experienced limb lengthening greater than 1 cm and always minor than 2 cm. Twelve point five percent of the cases showed an angulation < 10°. Complete functional recovery (hip and knee ROM, ability to run and jump on the operated limb) occurred in 95.7% of cases. Complications included two cases of superficial infection of the TEN entry point, one case of refracture following a new trauma, and one TEN mobilization. According to the Flynn’s scoring criteria, excellent results were obtained in 79.2% of patients and satisfactory results in the remaining 20.8%, with an average parent’s satisfaction level of 9.1/10.CONCLUSIONTEN is as a safe, mini-invasive and surgeon-friendly technique and, considering specific inclusion criteria, it represents a useful and efficacy option for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures even in patients younger than six years of age.

6-12 yaş arası pediatrik spiral ve parçalı femur kırıklarında submuskuler plaklama ve eksternal fiksatör uygulaması etkinliği karşılaştırılması

Objective: The treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children 6 to 12 years of age has changed substantially over the last two decades and continues to evolve. Although external fixation and submuscular plating have been extensively used in the management of pediatric femur fractures, there are few studies which have compared the results of external fixation and submuscular bridge plating in pediatric closed unstable spiral femoral diaphyseal fractures. Patients and Method: Two groups of patients treated by external fixator or submuscular plating due to femoral diaphyseal spiral and comminuted fractures were included in our study. Twenty patients comprised the external fixation group and 26 patients the submuscular bridge plating group. The patients were evaluated for mechanism of injury, knee ROM, length of hospital stay, clinical and radiological findings and complications. The average follow-up period was 2 (range: 1.5 to 4) years. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 6 to 11 (average: 7.45) years in the external fixator group and from 7 to 12 (average: 9.08) years in the submuscular plating group. In the external fixator group, the fixator was removed at an average of 12.2 weeks. In the submuscular plating group, radiographic union was detected at an average time of 10 weeks. Pin site infection was common in the external fixator group. Patients were given knee ROM rehabilitation for knee contracture. No refracture was observed in the external fixator and submuscular plating groups. Conclusion: The main point to consider in external fixator use in pediatric femur fractures is refracture after fixator removal, which is mostly seen in transverse and open fractures. Use of the external fixator in spiral fractures and removing the fixator following bone healing in four cortices may prevent refracture complication. It is the surgeon’s choice to decide between the two treatment modalities to operate on the femur fracture. Although we found similar results between external fixator and plate in pediatric femur shaft fractures; we think large population based studies are needed in order to comparison.

Repair of femoral shaft fractures by elastic plate osteosynthesis using veterinary cuttable plates in young dogs

Immature young dogs (12), 2–5 month-old, weighing 4–9 kg, with unstable femoral diaphyseal fractures were selected and stabilized with indigenously designed veterinary cuttable plate (VCP) along with compatible size of cortical screws by elastic plate osteosynthesis (EPO) technique. Clinical lameness evaluation and radiographic evaluation for implant stability, fragment alignment and callus formation were studied. Postoperatively, all cases showed grade I lameness and complete removal of implant was done on an average 5–7 weeks after radiographic appearance of cortical union. Complications like delayed cortical union in 1 case was noticed due to wound dehiscence with distal screw pullout in which revision of surgery was performed. Outcome of fracture healing in all cases was evaluated by lameness grading, radiographic and biochemical analysis. Based on present study, elastic plate osteosynthesis (EPO) technique using VCP (narrow, thin and cut to desired length) was better suited for the treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures than other conventional methods in young dogs with thin cortical bones and active growth plates.

Surgical treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children using elastic stable intramedullary nailing by open reduction at Yopougon Teaching Hospital

IntroductionElastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has transformed children's femoral shaft fracture treatment, but this technique requires an image intensifier. Without it, open reduction is used to check fracture reduction and pin passage. The aim of this study was to describe our techniques and to evaluate our results at the middle term. HypothesisThe open reduction and ESIN technique provides satisfactory results with few major complications. Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective study that focused on femoral diaphyseal fractures treated in the pediatric surgery unit at Yopougon Teaching Hospital (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire) between January 2007 and December 2013. Twenty children older than 6 years of age who underwent open reduction and ESIN without image intensifier assistance were included. Functional outcomes were assessed using Flynn's criteria. Postoperative complications and sequelae were recorded. ResultsAt the 16-month follow-up, the results were excellent in 11 (55%) cases, good in eight (40%), and poor in one (5%) case. The mean duration of surgery was 71min (range, 57–103 min). The mean time for bone healing was 11.6 weeks (range, 7–15 weeks) and the average time to nail removal was 6 months. Complications included wood infection (n=3), skin irritation (n=3), knee stiffness (n=2), malunion (n=3), scar (n=5), and leg length discrepancy (n=3). DiscussionOpen reduction and ESIN yielded satisfactory results with few major complications. This method could be an alternative in low-income countries where the image intensifier is often unavailable. Level of evidenceLevel IV retrospective study.

Improving stability of elastic stable intramedullary nailing in a transverse midshaft femur fracture model: biomechanical analysis of using end caps or a third nail.

BackgroundElastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is accepted widely for treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children. However, complication rates of 10 to 50 % are described due to shortening or axial deviation, especially in older or heavier children. Biomechanical in vitro testing was performed to determine whether two modified osteosyntheses with end caps or a third nail could significantly improve the stability in comparison to classical elastic stable intramedullary nailing in a transverse femur fracture model.MethodsWe performed biomechanical testing in 24 synthetic adolescent femoral bone models (Sawbones®) with a transverse midshaft (diaphyseal) fracture. First, in all models, two nails were inserted in a C-shaped manner (2 × 3.5 mm steel nails, prebent), then eight osteosyntheses were modified by using end caps and another eight by adding a third nail from the antero-lateral (2.5-mm steel, not prebent). Testing was performed in four-point bending, torsion, and shifting under physiological 9° compression.ResultsThe third nail from the lateral showed a significant positive influence on the stiffness in all four-point bendings as well as in internal rotation comparing to the classical 2C configuration: mean values were significantly higher anterior-posterior (1.04 vs. 0.52 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), posterior-anterior (0.85 vs. 0.43 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), lateral-medial (1.26 vs. 0.70 Nm/mm, p < 0.001), and medial-lateral (1.16 vs. 0.76 Nm/mm, p < 0.001) and during internal rotation (0.16 vs. 0.11 Nm/°, p < 0.001). The modification with end caps did not improve the stiffness in any direction.ConclusionsThe configuration with a third nail provided a significantly higher stiffness than the classical 2C configuration as well as the modification with end caps in this biomechanical model. This supports the ongoing transfer of the additional third nail into clinical practice to reduce the axial deviation occurring in clinical practice.

Postoperative malrotation after closed reduction and intramedullary nailing of the femur: a retrospective 5-year analysis

Minimally invasive treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures (DFF) with closed reduction and intramedullary nailing is a well established procedure. However, a femoral malrotation after intramedullary nailing is considered to be a substantial problem. Studies have described femoral malrotation (FMR) in 17-35 % after this procedure. Computed tomography (CT) of both femora is accepted as an objective, reproducible measurement method to determine a postoperative femoral malrotation. An anatomic reposition of the centreline of the femur remains of high importance since a malrotation > 15° can lead to a significant limitation of the range of motion (ROM) and to clinical symptomatic constraints. Between July 2007 and December 2011 patients with unilateral DFF were treated with closed reduction and intramedullary nailing. Exclusion criteria were defined as bilateral or prior treatment for femoral fractures, open epihyseal plate or pregnancy. In all cases a postoperative CT scan of the femora was conducted to analyse a femoral malrotation. The indication for a correction was posed in cases of a malrotation > 15°. The data were not randomised and evaluated retrospectively. In total 94 patients with unilateral DFF were included. 21 female and 73 male with an average age of 33.15 ± 14.04 years (range 14-94). In the postoperative CT scan an average FMR of 11.58 ± 9.41° (range 0-44°) was determined. In 15 cases (15.95 %), 10 male (13.7 %) and 5 female (23.81 %) a FMR > 15° (average: 23.66 ± 5.74°) was noticed. A subsequent surgery with a correction in average of 17.53 ± 6.83° was performed. After the correction the malrotation averaged 6.07 ± 5.61°. The results support the existing data that the treatment of DFF with closed reduction and intramedullary nailing may lead to a significant femoral malrotation despite a precise intraoperative monitoring. The data demonstrate that nearly 15 % of all patients appear after closed reduction and intramedullary nailing with a femoral malrotation greater than 15°. A routinely utilised postoperative CT scan provides additional information to discover an occult malrotation. In spite of diligent attendance to the femoral torsion intraoperatively in DFF a significant femoral malrotation may result after closed reduction and intramedullary nailing. To prevent a limitation of ROM and clinical constraints a routinely performed postoperative CT scan with a adequate surgical correction is recommended.