Retrograde Femoral Nailing: Preliminary Experience

Abstract

We report on the results of our consecutive series of the first patients treated with retrograde supracondylar femoral nails. Since September 2000, 15 patients (6 men and 9 women, age 24-85 years, median 68) have been treated with retrograde supracondylar nails for femoral fractures: 8 supracondylar (one pathologic, one open), 3 intercondylar (two C1, one C2-open), 3 of the distal shaft and one of the midshaft (with previous subtrochanteric ipsilateral fracture). In two patients the fracture had been first stabilized with external fixator which was later converted to nail. Thirteen patients have been followed until union, one has been lost to follow-up and one has recently been operated upon. All fractures healed after a mean period of 15 weeks. No bone grafting or dynamization were necessary, even in cases with bone loss or gap at the fracture site. Complications included one fracture of the trochlea while inserting the nail, reinsertion of the proximal screws in one patient and knee pain, stiffness and effusion in one case. In conclusion, supracondylar retrograde nail is an effective tool for the treatment of fractures of the distal femur.

Supracondylar nail - distal femoral fracture

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