4 Years Clinical Findings in Retrograde Nailing of Fractures of the Distal Femur

Abstract

We report on the 22 first consecutive cases of distal femoral fractures in 22 patients (2 male and 20 female, average age 65 years, 16-97 years) treated with closed retrograde femoral nailing from October 1994 to June 1997. Indications for surgery were AO-33 A1 (n = 10), 33 A2 (n = 2), 33 A3 (n = 3) and 33 C2 (n = 7) classified fractures. In 17 cases primary union was achieved within 10.5 weeks (8-17 weeks), 5 patients died before consolidation. No infections or thromboses were observed postoperatively. Patients returned to full weight-bearing after 5 weeks (4-12 weeks), knee motion was satisfactory, ranging from 80° to 130°. 11 patients surviving an average of 5.2 years (4.3-6.9 years) were evaluated according to the Leung Score. 7 had excellent, 4 good results with an average of 84.3 points (70-92 points). 4 patients had slightly reduced walking ability, 4 complained about mild knee pain. Patients younger than 60 years returned to full preoperative activity level. These mid- to long-term results confirm closed retrograde femoral nailing to be a good alternative to plate osteosynthesis for certain indications.

Key words

Retrograde nailing - intramedullary nail - distal femoral fracture

References

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