Noncontiguous fractures of the femoral neck,femoral shaft,and distal femur

BACKGROUND: Multifocal fractures of the femur are uncommon injuries and present unique management challenges. Combined ipsilateral fractures of the femoral shaft and femoral neck or the femoral shaft and distal femur have been described. The combination of noncontiguous ipsilateral femoral neck, femoral shaft, and distal femoral articular injuries, however, has not been described. The purposes of this report are to document the incidence and characteristics of this injury and to present a treatment rationale. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at a Level I trauma center. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 1639 adult patients with femur fractures were definitively managed at the authors' institution. Five male and two female patients (average age, 43.3 years) sustained ipsilateral, noncontiguous fractures of the femoral neck, femoral shaft, and distal femoral articular surface (0.43%). All femoral neck fractures were vertically oriented. All distal femoral injuries were unicondylar. A variety of fixation methods were used, dependent on individual fracture characteristics. The femoral neck fractures were prioritized in all cases. Stabilization of the distal femoral articular surface was then performed before diaphyseal fixation in patients with sagittally oriented condylar fractures. Patients were followed for an average of 19.3 months. All fractures healed without the need for secondary procedures. CONCLUSION: This injury constellation is rare. Open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced femoral neck fracture should be the primary focus of orthopedic management, followed by stable reduction and fixation of displaced distal femoral articular injuries. The diaphyseal fracture should be treated with a technique that does not jeopardize either the proximal or the distal fractures. Patients who are critically ill can be managed in a similar sequence over the course of several days, depending on their overall condition.     

采用长解剖型锁定钢板插入技术内固定治疗同侧股骨干骺端及骨干骨折21例

目的探讨采用长干骺端解剖型锁定钢板插入技术内固定治疗同侧股骨干骺端及骨干骨折的特点及疗效。方法自2007—06--2012—06采用长干骺端解剖型锁定钢板内固定治疗21例同侧股骨干骺端及骨干骨折。其中股骨近端合并股骨干骨折14例,股骨远端合并股骨干骨折7例。术中根据骨折部位选择干骺端切口。在股骨干骺端切口放置长干骺端解剖型锁定钢板,固定好干骺端骨折后,再作有限切口复位股骨干骨折。结果本组均获得随访1～3年,平均1．7年。股骨近端合并股骨干骨折骨愈合时间平均（27．21±7．58）周,股骨远端合并股骨干骨折愈合时间平均（24．71±7．64）周,均无钢板、螺钉断裂。1例开放性股骨远端合并股骨干骨折因感染延迟愈合,出现膝关节强直畸形。14例髋关节功能根据Majeed功能评分标准评定：优9例,平均（89．78±2．73）分;良3例,平均（79．00±4．36）分;可2例,平均（63．00±1．41）分。7例膝关节功能按Kolmert标准评定：优4例,良2例,可1例。结论采用较长的解剖型锁定钢板作为内固定材料手术治疗同侧股骨干骺端及骨干骨折是较好的选择。其特点有：①用1种内固定材料固定2个部位骨折,不剥离骨膜,有利于骨折愈合;②锁定螺钉固定后,成为一种角度固定的钢板,集合了钢板内固定和外固定架的优点;③采用有限切口可减少创伤、降低出血量、缩短住院时间。     

Treatment of distal femur fractures using the less invasive stabilization system: surgical experience and early clinical results in 103 fractures

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the complications and early clinical results of 123 distal femur fractures treated with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS; Synthes, Paoli, PA). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively enrolled patients. SETTING: Two academic level I trauma centers. SUBJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nineteen consecutive patients with 123 distal femur fractures (OTA type 33 and distal type 32 fractures) treated by 3 surgeons. One hundred three fractures (68 closed fractures and 35 open fractures) in 99 patients were followed up at least until union (mean follow-up = 14 months, range: 3-50 months). INTERVENTION: Surgical reduction and fixation of distal femur fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative complications, radiographic union, infection rate, loss of fixation, alignment, and range of motion. RESULTS: Ninety-six (93%) of 103 fractures healed without bone grafting. All fractures eventually healed with secondary procedures, including bone grafting (1 of 68 closed fractures and 6 of 35 open fractures). There were 5 losses of proximal fixation, 2 nonunions, and 3 acute infections. No cases of varus collapse or screw loosening in the distal femoral fragment were observed. Malreductions of the femoral fracture were seen in 6 fractures (6%). The mean range of knee motion was 1 degrees to 109 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of distal femur fractures with the LISS is associated with high union rates without autogenous bone grafting (93%), a low incidence of infection (3%), and maintenance of distal femoral fixation (100%). No loss of fixation in the distal femoral condyles was observed despite the treatment of 30 patients older than 65 years. The LISS is an acceptable surgical option for treatment of distal femoral fractures.     

Ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck, shaft and distal end: long-term outcome of five cases

Out of 52 cases of ipsilateral femoral fractures treated at a level I trauma centre between June 1994 and March 2008, the diaphyseal fracture was accompanied by a intracapsular neck fracture in only 20 cases. In the rest of the cases, the diaphyseal fracture was combined with either an extracapsular or pertrochanteric fracture. Five of these patients also had fractures of the distal femur. In three of those patients we began treatment with osteosynthesis of the femoral neck and shaft, using a reconstruction nail, then stabilized the distal fracture with a 95° blade plate or with lag screws. In the other two cases, initial treatment dealt with the distal femoral fracture, stabilizing it with a 95° blade plate, which was also used for stabilization of the diaphyseal fracture. In these patients, the proximal fracture was treated using dynamic hip screws (DHS). All fractures healed, two after initial treatment, while the other three needed one reoperation. The follow-up period was 2–13 years after the injury. The order in which fractures are treated is best left to the discretion of the physician and the circumstances. In our experience, two implants are sufficient for osteosynthesis, one for stabilizing one end of the femur together with the shaft, and the other is used for treating the other end of the femur.     

重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折的临床观察

目的：评价股骨重建钉治疗股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折的临床疗效及手术要点。方法：自2002年6月至2008年6月采用重建钉治疗15例股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折患者,全部为男性,年龄34-85岁,平均45岁。股骨干骨折WinquistI型2例,Ⅱ型6例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型2例,3例多段骨折。髋部骨折包括粗隆间骨折7例,股骨颈骨折8例（根据Garden分型,I型1例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型2例）。结果：15例患者均获随访,时间12～55个月,平均30．9个月。股骨颈骨折不愈合1例,内翻畸形1例;14例2-6个月获得髋部骨折愈合,平均4个月。股骨干骨折延迟愈合1例（9个月时愈合）,不愈合2例;13例4～9个月获得股骨干愈合,平均5．5个月。无感染、股骨头坏死及超过2cm的下肢短缩。Friedman—Wyman系统疗效评价：优良13例,一般1例,差1例。结论：股骨重建钉对于股骨干合并同侧髋部骨折固定可靠,并发症少,是一种有效的固定方式。     

带锁髓内钉治疗新鲜四肢长骨干骨折1224例疗效分析

目的总结带锁髓内钉治疗肱骨干、股骨干、股骨髁上、胫骨干和转子间骨折的疗效。方法自1996年10月至2004年6月间使用带锁髓内钉治疗的有完整资料的新鲜四肢骨折1224例,男778例,女446例;平均年龄39岁(16￣92岁)。骨折位于肱骨干92例,股骨转子间210例,股骨干488例,股骨髁上92例,胫骨342例。闭合骨折按AO分型:A型642例;B型364例;C型218例。开放骨折15例(GustiloⅠ型8例,GustiloⅡ型7例)。受伤至手术时间平均为8d(3h￣33d)。闭合复位1203例,切开复位23例;扩髓409例,非扩髓815例。结果平均随访时间为24个月(6￣70个月)。1204例骨折愈合,愈合率为98.2%,平均愈合时间为5个月(3￣12个月)。骨折不愈合22例,其中肱骨4例,股骨8例,股骨髁上4例,胫骨6例,总不愈合率为1.8%。术后无急性感染发生,3例发生晚期深部感染,总感染率为0.2%。术中16例发生严重骨折劈裂,4例为肱骨逆行髓内钉固定,4例Gamma钉固定,9例为股骨逆行髓内钉固定,占1.3%。6例发生医原性神经损伤,占0.4%。股骨髓内钉主钉断裂1例,锁钉断裂9例(0.6%)。晚期髓内钉末端骨折3例,占0.2%。53例主诉髓内钉尾端部位不适,占4.3%。结论闭合复位带锁髓内钉治疗骨干骨折在骨折愈合率、感染率、出血量、功能恢复情况和早期活动方面均较满意,是治疗骨干骨折较好的方法,但     

Antegrade nailing of femoral shaft fractures combined with neck or distal femur fractures

Introduction Complex femoral fractures pose considerable therapeutic challenges to orthopedic surgeons. We present a retrospective review of 25 patients with complex femoral fractures treated with intramedullary locked nailing and supplemental screw fixation.Materials and methods Fifteen patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures (group 1) and 10 patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and distal femur fractures (group 2) were treated from 1990 to 1998. High-energy injuries occurred in all patients. There were 4 open fractures. Antegrade, locked nailing of diaphyseal fractures was performed in all cases. Supplemental screws for the neck were used in all patients in group 1 and in 3 patients in group 2.Results All of the fractures united during the follow-up. Five patients in group 1 underwent reoperation (33.3%): one due to a delayed union, the second due to an implant failure, the third due to a nonunion of a neck fracture, and the last two because of an initially missed femoral neck fracture. None of the patients in group 2 underwent reoperation. Angular malalignment of the shaft was found in 6 fractures in group 1 (average 4.8^o, range 3^o–11^o) and in 4 fractures in group 2 (average 6^o, range 3^o–12^o). Shortening of the limb occurred in 3 patients in group 1 (average 1.4 cm, range 1–1.8) and in 1 patient in group 2 (2 cm). Loss of fixation was seen in 1 patient in each group. Avascular necrosis and infection were not seen in any case in both groups.Conclusion Femoral intramedullary nails with antegrade or retrograde options for insertion and different locking possibilities have extended the indications to include both diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures. New nail designs, usually more expensive than the conventional nails, have been introduced into the market for this purpose. One has to keep in mind that antegrade, locked nailing of femoral shaft fractures combined with neck or distal femur fractures is a technically demanding but efficacious procedure. The success rate is high when the technique is meticulously implemented.     

Retrograde fixation of distal femoral fractures: results using a new nail system

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the management and outcome of distal femur fractures treated with retrograde nailing. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, level I trauma center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 47 patients with 48 fractures of the distal femur (37 fractures AO type A and 11 fractures type C) operated on between May 1999 and June 2000. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome was assessed by using standard radiographic criteria of time to union, incidence of infection, malunion, and knee function (Leung score). RESULTS: After an average time of 33 months (range 12-37 months), 44 patients were reexamined. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The average age was 44 years (range 17-92 years). Of patients, 19 sustained polytrauma, and 10 had associated soft tissue damage. A total of 34 patients underwent primary definitive osteosynthesis within 12 hours after trauma. All fractures healed after an average of 12.6 weeks (range 9-17 weeks). Seven complications were noted-three related to severity of injury (one deep venous thrombosis, two leg length shortenings of 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm) and four related to the operation (insufficient counterboring of the nail in two patients, one malreduction, one iatrogenic fracture of femur shaft). There was no relevant difference between type A and type C fractures in functional, clinical, or radiographic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde nailing is recommended as an alternative method to plate osteosynthesis in stabilizing distal femoral fractures, particularly in type C fractures.     

Intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures in children through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter using a modified rigid humeral intramedullary nail: preliminary results of a new technique in 15 children

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical results of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures using a rigid intramedullary nail placed through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter in older children and adolescents. DESIGN: A retrospective study was carried out evaluating all skeletally immature patients with femoral shaft fractures treated using a modified rigid humeral intramedullary nail. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen children and adolescents with displaced femoral diaphyseal fractures and open physes. INTERVENTION: Femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents were stabilized using a modified humeral intramedullary nail placed through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were evaluated to determine time to union, final fracture alignment, hospital stay, complications, clinical outcome, and proximal femoral changes including avascular necrosis or proximal femoral valgus with femoral neck narrowing. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year (range 70-157 weeks). The average age of the patients was 12 years and 5 months (range 8 years and 2 months-17 years and 1 month). All fractures healed at a mean of 7 weeks (range 5-14 weeks) after fracture. The average hospital stay for patients with isolated femur fractures (8/15) was 2.8 days (range 1-5 days). At an average follow-up of 141 weeks (range 70-326 weeks), no patient had developed avascular necrosis, femoral neck valgus, femoral neck narrowing, or other complications. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of intramedullary nailing in children through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter seems to be safe, effective, and well tolerated by patients.     

Early experience with the gamma interlocking nail for peritrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur.

Surgical fixation, early weight-bearing, and bony union remain a challenge in the treatment of peritrochanteric femur fractures, especially if the fractures are comminuted or unstable. Preliminary experience with the Gamma locking nail, a short intramedullary nail connected to a sliding compression screw augmented with distal locking screws, is presented. In a consecutive series of 29 patients, all fractures were adequately reduced and immediate weight-bearing was begun regardless of fracture configuration (13/27 fractures classified as unstable). Twenty-seven patients were reviewed at 6 months. At follow-up, all patients continued to be ambulatory and all fractures healed. Major complications included screw migration in the femoral head (two patients), difficulty in securely placing the distal screws (eight patients), and a femoral shaft fracture through the distal locking screws following a fall. The technical problems inherent in the device and its instrumentation are discussed. In this early experience, the Gamma nail appears to allow for early patient ambulation regardless of the fracture configuration with excellent clinical results.     

Early results of the less invasive stabilization system for mechanically unstable fractures of the distal femur (AO/OTA types A2, A3, C2, and C3)

OBJECTIVES: Historically, mechanically unstable fractures of the distal femur have been difficult to treat. Problems such as varus collapse, malunion, and nonunion frequently resulted before fixed-angle plates and indirect reduction techniques were popularized. More recently, the Less Invasive Stabilization System, or LISS (Synthes, Paoli, PA), has been designed to combine these 2 approaches with the intended goals of achieving adequate stable fixation and early healing. Early clinical results for the femoral Less Invasive Stabilization System have been promising. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of patients with high energy, mechanically unstable fractures of the distal femur treated with the Less Invasive Stabilization System. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a treatment protocol, consecutive patient series. SETTING: Busy level II trauma center. PATIENTS /PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six patients with 27 high-energy AO/OTA types A2, A3, C2, and C3 fractures of the distal femur. INTERVENTION: Treatment with indirect fracture reduction and internal distal femoral fixation using the Less Invasive Stabilization System. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with 22 fractures were available for evaluation at an average 19 months postinjury (range 12-35 months). The mechanism of injury included 12 motor vehicle collisions, 4 high falls, 5 motorcycle crashes, and 1 bicyclist struck by a car. Twenty patients had associated injuries. Six fractures were open. All fractures were comminuted; according to the AO/OTA fracture classification there were 4 A2, 3 A3, 12 C2, and 3 C3 fractures. All fractures healed without secondary surgeries at a mean of 13 weeks (range 7-16 weeks). There were no cases of failed fixation, implant breakage, or infection. Average joint line orientation relative to the femoral shaft axis (valgus) measured 99 degrees on postoperative radiographs and 99 degrees on final radiographs. A comparison of postoperative to healed final radiographs for each femur demonstrated no case with greater than a 3 degrees difference in either varus or valgus. Complications included 1 mal-union where the fracture was fixed in 8 degrees of valgus and 2 cases of external rotation between 10 degrees and 15 degrees. Painful hardware occurred in 4 patients, of which 3 underwent implant removal. The average knee range of motion was 5 degrees to 114 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The Less Invasive Stabilization System allows for stable fixation and facilitates early healing in mechanically unstable high-energy fractures of the distal femur. There were no patients with fixation failure, varus collapse, or nonunion in this "at-risk" population. This treatment safely allows for immediate postoperative initiation of joint mobility and the progression of weight bearing with early radiographic signs of healing.     

Expandable intramedullary nailing for tibial and femoral fractures: a preliminary analysis of perioperative complications

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of using the expandable nailing system in the treatment of femoral and tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort series. SETTING: Two level-1 university trauma centers. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight patients with acute, traumatic diaphyseal fractures of the tibia or femur. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation of lower extremity long bone fractures using expandable intramedullary nailing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative complications and time to healing. RESULTS: Forty-nine long bone fractures were treated: 22 femoral fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 6 A2, 7 A3, 1 B1, and 4 B2) and 27 tibial fractures (OTA classification: 4 type A1, 11 A2, 9 A3, 0 B1, and 3 B2). There were 13 open fractures and 37 closed fractures. Healing occurred in 37 (75%) fractures without additional interventions. There were 2 tibial delayed unions and 1 femoral and 1 tibial nonunion. Five tibial shaft fractures and 6 femoral fractures shortened by 1.0 cm or more postoperatively. In 3 tibias and 4 femurs, shortening occurred after fractures judged to be length-stable became unstable because of fracture propagation during nail expansion. Five tibias and 3 femurs were converted to standard locked nails because of shortening. The average time to healing, excluding nonunion, was 15 weeks in the tibia and 16 weeks in the femur. The expandable nail resulted in an unplanned reoperation in 12 cases (25%). CONCLUSION: We found a high complication rate because of shortening, which was independent of fracture classification. Consequently, we cannot recommend the use of an unlocked, expandable nail in diaphyseal fractures of the femur or tibia.     

Intramedulläre Stabilisierung periprothetischer Femurfrakturen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des vorbestehenden Knochendefekts

OBJECTIVE: Healing of the periprosthetic fracture and area of defective bone by the bone healing mechanisms of intramedullary stabilization. Reconstruction of the correct length, axial alignment, and rotation of the fractured femoral shaft by anchoring a revision stem in the intact femoral diaphysis. INDICATIONS: Periprosthetic femoral shaft fracture in the region of the prosthetic stem combined with preexistent loosening and/or defect in the periprosthetic bone bed (Vancouver classification type B2 and B3). CONTRAINDICATIONS: General contraindications, local infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral transmuscular approach to the femoral shaft. Longitudinal osteotomy of the proximal femur taking the geometry of the fracture into account. Opening of an anterior "bone shell". Removal of the loose prosthetic stem and cement. Debridement. Preparation of the femoral diaphysis and insertion of a distally anchored revision stem. Distal locking. Repositioning of the "bone shell", reduction of the fracture, and retention with cerclage wires. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Bed rest for approximately 1 week, mobilization with 20 kg partial weight bearing for 12 weeks, gradual increase in weight bearing with radiologic checks on progress, removal of the distal locking bolts after 12-24 months at the earliest. RESULTS: 21 patients (13 women, eight men) aged between 43 and 86 years (mean age: 71.2 years) with periprosthetic fracture of the femur, additional loosening of the stem in eight cases (Vancouver B2) and additional bone loss in 13 cases (Vancouver B3). Postoperative complications: two fractures following another fall (repeat operations: one replacement, one plate), four revisions due to subsidence of the stem (three replacements involving change to a standard stem with healed proximal femur, one replacement with another interlocked revision stem). Bone healing occurred for all fractures after a mean 5.6 months (3-11 months). Follow-up examination after a mean 4.5 years: all patients were able to walk, average Harris Score 70.5 points (29-95 points).     

Osteosynthesis of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures with the PFN-long

AIM: The paper retrospectively evaluates a set of patients with ipsilateral fractures of the proximal femur and shaft treated with PFN-long. MATERIAL: 19 patients (14 males and 5 females), aged 48 in average, were treated from 1998-2003. The fractures included 2 types: combined intraarticular femoral neck and shaft fractures: 8 cases, and 11 cases of complex extraarticular proximal femoral fractures and its shaft. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients followed up for at least 12 months was evaluated according to the Sanders and Regazzoni scoring scale. Bone union resulted in all patients. This was accomplished within 6 months in 10 patients (59 %), 9 months in 16 patients (94 %), and one patient healed within 12 months. Excellent results were achieved in 59 %, good results in 35 % and a satisfactory result in 6 %. We have recorded 3 cases of postoperative complications (16 %). These complications were all due to imperfect reduction. Early complications included a wound haematoma with necessary operative revision. Late complications, such as delayed healing, were resolved by reoperation in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Long PFN is a quality implant which extends our options in the treatment of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures. It is one of the most beneficial implants in the category of reconstruction nails. The availability of only 3 nail lengths and 1 diameter presents a certain drawback.     

Ipsilateral fractures of femoral neck and shaft

Thirteen cases of ipsilateral intracapsular femoral neck and shaft fractures were seen. All cases occurred in young adults, with the mechanism of injury in all instances being high-energy trauma. The diagnosis of the femoral neck fracture was missed initially in four cases. The patients were divided into four groups according to treatment protocol: group 1 (two cases), both fractures treated nonoperatively; group 2 (four cases), femoral neck fracture treated nonoperatively, open reduction and internal fixation of femoral shaft fracture; group 3 (three cases), McMurray's osteotomy for femoral neck fracture and internal fixation for the femoral shaft fracture; and group 4 (four cases), open reduction and internal fixation of both fractures. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 10.1 years. There was a nonunion of one femoral neck fracture, while all shaft fractures united. The best results were seen in group 4 cases. It is also recommended that routine high-quality X-ray films of the hip should be done in all cases of femoral shaft fracture to decrease the high incidence of missed femoral neck fractures in ipsilateral injuries of the femur.     

Retrograde femoral interlocking nail in complex fractures

Retrograde interlocking nail was used as the method of fixation in 35 different cases of combination of complex femoral fractures. We performed this procedure in fractures of femoral shaft associated with fracture neck femur, pathological fractures of proximal third of femur with trochanteric pathology, ipsilateral fracture of femur and tibia in polytrauma cases with multiple other injuries, in highly obese patients with fracture shaft femur. This technique was also used in cases of pregnancy with fracture shaft femur and in unstable pelvic fracture or dislocation hip associated with fracture shaft femur. Operative technique involved with retrograde insertion of un-reamed, non-cannulated custom made nail through entrance portal in intercondylar notch was applied for fixation of the shaft femur fracture. The other associated fracture around hip was stabilized separately using suitable implant according to type of fracture. In cases of ipsilateral fracture of femur and tibia, femur was stabilized by retrograde interlocking nail and tibia was stabilized by antigrade interlocking nail through same incision at the same sitting. The case was followed up for three years; the average union time was 12 to 18 weeks. Out of 35 cases, 31 cases regained full knee movement. Out of the remaining 4 cases, 2 cases could regain up to 90 degrees of movement, these were old fractures and non-cooperative patients. In one case, patellofemoral arthritis was developed because of an operative error where a nail was not put inside the articular surface. Mal-union was observed in an early case of the series and implant failure was nil. Retrograde interlocking nail was used as the method of fixation in complex fracture problems. Multiple fractures of long bones can be stabilized in one stage, preventing multiple operations at different stages in polytraumatized patients. This resulted in early recovery, lesser hospital stay, and early rehabilitation of patient with good results and is economical also.     

Interlocking nailing of distal femoral fractures: 28 patients followed for 1-2 years

We treated 28 fractures of the distal femur with a Grosse-Kempf interlocking nail, and the patients were followed for at least 1 year. Five fractures did not unite, and the rest healed after 5 (3-7) months. Nail breakage was the most serious complication; and the more distal the fracture was, the more easily the nail broke. With the addition of a cast brace and protected weight bearing, a locked nail is a good type of fixation for distal femoral fractures down to 4 cm above the condyles.     

Second-generation intramedullary supracondylar nail for distal femoral fractures

The objective of this study was to review the use of intramedullary supracondylar (IMSC) nails for distal femoral fractures. We reviewed 24 fractures treated with second-generation IMSC nails. The fractures consisted of 18 type A1, one type A2, two type C1, one type C2, and two type C3 fractures. The relationships between clinical results and fracture type, approaches, and patient age were retrospectively reviewed. All fractures healed clinically and radiographically. Twenty-one patients maintained gait performance equivalent to that before injury. Average operating time was 108 min +/- 43 min. ROM in the knee of all patients was -5 degrees +/- 6 degrees in extension and 102 degrees +/- 38 degrees in flexion. Extension lag was influenced by surgical approach. The final knee arc was inversely correlated to patient age (R: 0.49, P<0.05). There were three varus/valgus deformities, two cases with loosening, and two with breakage of the distal locking screws, but no failure of the nail itself. Second-generation IMSC nailing for distal femur fractures was satisfactory in patients younger than 60 years of age.     

Treatment of ipsilateral fractures of the distal femur and femoral shaft

Thirteen patients with segmental fractures involving the distal femur and femoral shaft were treated with internal fixation. Nine of the distal femur fractures were intraarticular. Priority was given to restoration of the articular surface and the alignment of the distal femur. No single method of fixation could be used for all patients. Nine patients were treated using plate fixation with one or more plates. Three patients were treated with a combination of an interlocked intramedullary nail and lag screw fixation. One patient was treated with Ender nails. All the fractures eventually healed, but the recovery time was long. Although no patient was asymptomatic, 10 have resumed their preinjury level of function.     

Interlocking nailing of distal femoral fractures. 28 patients followed for 1-2 years

We treated 28 fractures of the distal femur with a Grosse-Kempf interlocking nail, and the patients were followed for at least 1 year. Five fractures did not unite, and the rest healed after 5 (3-7) months. Nail breakage was the most serious complication; and the more distal the fracture was, the more easily the nail broke. With the addition of a cast brace and protected weight bearing, a locked nail is a good type of fixation for distal femoral fractures down to 4 cm above the condyles.