Does fixation of femoral fractures using retrograde intramedullary nailing cause long-term knee pain: a systematic review of the literature

Aim  To perform a systematic review of the literature to discover if knee pain was a common complication in patients who underwent retrograde intramedullary fixation for femoral fractures and whether the pain persisted beyond fracture union and soft tissue healing. Materials and methods  The literature search revealed eight articles which fit the inclusion criteria. These series were then compared and articles critiqued to allow conclusions to be drawn. Three articles compared antegrade and retrograde nails and five articles reviewed results of retrograde fixation only. Results  Retrograde intramedullary nailing produced knee pain in 40–53% of patients compared with 20% in antegrade fixations during follow-up. These figures however, dropped substantially by final follow-up to 23–24% for retrograde and 12.5% for antegrade. Thirty-seven per cent of knee pain post operatively was associated with prominent metal work the majority of which resolved if the metal was removed. Conclusion  Retrograde intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures is associated with higher rates of anterior knee pain than antegrade nailing. Many cases of knee pain can be prevented with proper technique avoiding prominent metal work and many more cases settle in time with no intervention.     

The role of reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of nonunions and malunions following femoral shaft fractures

Summary This retrospective consecutive clinical series describes our satisfactory experience with reamed intramedullary femoral nailing in the treatment of nonunions, axial or rotational deformities as well as length discrepancies following the primary treatment of femoral shaft fractures. 31 patients (32 fractures) treated at our institution from 1992 to 1997 were reviewed for age, gender, cause of injury, type of femur fracture, primary treatment, indication for secondary nailing, operative procedure, complications, need for additional procedures and time for consolidation. 3 patients were lost for follow-up, leaving 28 patients (29 fractures) for evaluation. The average follow-up was 79 weeks (range 24 to 192). The indications for secondary nailing were: 18 nonunions, 7 rotational or axial deformities, 4 length discrepancies. Consolidation was achieved in 25 patients (26 fractures) at an average time of 38 weeks (range 12 to 104). Nonunion was recorded in 3 patients. They were treated successfully with an additional procedure (one exchange intramedullary nailing and two autologous bone grafts). The reamed intramedullary interlocking nail offers many advantages, especially a good initial and middle term stability which is important in case of a slow process of consolidation. By the treatment of atrophic and long lasting nonunion, simultaneous bone grafting seems to be indicated. We conclude that interlocking reamed femoral nailing is a safe treatment option for nonunions and malunions following primary treatment of femoral shaft fractures, resulting in successful union without additional procedure in 26 of 29 fractures in this series.     

逆行交锁髓内钉治疗股骨远端骨折

目的 总结应用逆行交锁髓内钉（GSH）治疗股骨远端骨折的疗效。方法采用GSH内固定术治疗股骨远端骨折34例。结果34例获6～35个月随访,髓内钉固定理想,骨折对位、对线良好,均获愈合,采用Merchan等膝关节功能评分标准,优31例,良3例。结论 GSH内固定术治疗股骨远端骨折疗效较好,是治疗股骨远端骨折的首选方法。     

Retrograde nailing with subsequent screw fixation for ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures

Introduction Although ipsilateral femoral shaft and neck fractures are difficult to treat, there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment of this complex injury. We report the results of treating the 17 fractures with a standard protocol of retrograde nailing for diaphyseal fractures and subsequent screw fixation for the femoral neck fractures. Materials and methods Seventeen injuries (16 patients) sustained femoral shaft fractures, which were treated with retrograde intramedullary nails and subsequent screw fixation. Femoral neck fracture was noted before the operation in all patients except one. A femoral shaft fracture was always addressed first with unreamed retrograde nailing. Then, the femoral neck fracture was treated by cannulated screws or dynamic hip screw according to the level of fracture. Results The average time for union of femoral shaft fractures was 27.3 (14–60) weeks. Nonunion occurred in five patients, who required bone grafts or changes of fixation. The average time for union of femoral neck fractures was 11 (8–12) weeks. All united, except for one case of nonunion with avascuar necrosis, which was a Garden stage IV fracture. Functional results using Friedman–Wyman criteria were good in 16 cases, and fair in one. The only fair result was nonunion of the femoral neck, which had the joint arthroplasty. Conclusion Retrograde nailing of femoral shaft fractures can provide an easy fixation and a favorable result for ipsilateral femoral neck fractures.This study was conducted at Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea. The authors have and will not receive any financial benefit in association with the present paper.     

Treatment of distal femoral fractures in the elderly Results with the retrograde intramedullary supracondylar nail

The drawbacks of plating techniques for the treatment of distal femoral fractures are the need for a large exposure with the possible risk of soft tissue damage, devascularisation of bone fragments and loss of the possible positive effect of the fracture hematoma. Moreover, early weight bearing is not advisable with these implants. To find out whether the retrograde nailing of distal femoral fractures is beneficial we performed this study. Between March 1, 1993 and September 1, 1995, 25 patients with 26 distal femoral fractures were treated in our department with retrograde femoral nailing. According to the ASIF-classification we classified 20 fractures as supracondylar A fractures and 6 fractures as intercondylar C fractures. All fractures were closed and without important soft tissue damage. One patient died of a not fracture-related cause before fracture healing was achieved. Twenty-five fractures healed. According to our relative Neer-score we counted 18/25 (72%) excellent results ( 85 points), 5/25 (20%) good results ( 70 points), 1 (4%) fair result ( 55 points) and 1 (4%) bad result (< 55 points). The retrograde intramedullary nailing makes a biological osteosynthesis of distal femoral fractures possible. Also in our aged patients good functional results could be obtained. Poor hold of the distal interlocking screws and difficult interlocking are the 2 major technical problems encountered with this implant. Early weight bearing is not advisable.     

Bilateral femoral fractures: Does intramedullary nailing increase systemic complications and mortality rates?

In order to evaluate the impact of simultaneous intramedullary nailing in patients with bilateral femoral fractures on systemic complications a comprehensive review of the literature was performed. Four studies reporting the results of 197 patients following trauma were analysed. The mean Injury Severity Score was 20.6 (range, 9-75). According to the data available, reamed intramedullary nailing was performed in 96% of the cases. The incidence of fat embolism was 4.1%, ARDS 14.6% and pulmonary embolism 6.9%. The overall mortality was 6%. The mean hospital stay was 17.9 days (range, 4-108). Bilateral femoral fractures have a high risk of complications and mortality. Damage control surgery should be considered in these cases where the clinician anticipates the development of systemic complications.     

经膝关节逆行穿钉治疗股骨干骨折

目的探讨经膝关节逆行穿钉治疗股骨干骨折适应证及手术方法,丰富股骨干骨折的治疗手段。方法12例病人均在能透视的普通手术台进行,膝关节屈曲30°～40°于髌韧带内侧缘做5cm的切口,经股骨髁间窝逆行穿入带锁钉。闭合复位7例,开放复位5例。结果经平均1年的随访,所有病人均骨性愈合,膝关节功能良好。结论经膝关节逆行穿钉治疗股骨骨折是可行的,具有操作简单,固定牢固,能早期进行膝关节功能锻炼等特点,早期对膝关节功能无影响,但远期影响有待长期随访。     

Functional outcome of retrograde intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures

We evaluated the functional outcome of 12 femoral fractures treated using retrograde intramedullary nailing via an intercondylar approach. Patients were 9 men and 3 women with an average age of 39.4 years (range, 16–69 years). The follow-up period was 13–185 months, with an average follow-up of 95 months. Functional outcome was assessed by the knee-rating system of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Neer's criteria. The average score was 76 points (44 –100 points) by HSS, and 77 points (36–100 points) by Neer's criteria. The outcomes over good results were seen in 67% (8/12) and 58% (7/12), according to respective rating system. Although retrograde nailing for the femoral fractures is useful method, it is still problematic about its efficacy on the basis of our acceptable rate.     

Flexible intramedullary nailing for distal femoral fractures in patients with myopathies

Purpose  

Distal femoral fractures are quite common in nonambulating patients with myopathies, as they present marked osteoporosis. The deterioration of preexisting knee flexion contracture is a known problem, as these fractures are usually angulated posteriorly. The goals of treatment are to reduce immobilization and bed rest to a minimum, prevent function loss, and prevent refracture. The aim of our work was to investigate if these goals can be achieved by an operative treatment with closed reduction and flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN).     

Titanium elastic nailing in femoral diaphyseal fractures of children in 6-16 years of age

Background:

Management of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the age group of 6-16 years is controversial. There has been a resurgence worldwide for operative fixation.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-two children (18 boys, 4 girls) aged 6-16 years with recent (> 3 days) femoral diaphyseal fractures (20 closed, 2 open) were stabilized with Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN). These fractures were in proximal third (n=3), middle third (n=15) and in the distal third (n=4) 17 patients underwent surgery within seven days of their injury. The results were evaluated using Flynn''s scoring criteria. Statistical analysis was done using Fischer''s exact test.

Results:

All 22 patients were available for evaluation after a mean of 26 months (14-36 months) of followup. Radiological union in all cases were achieved in a mean time of 8.7 weeks. Full weight bearing was possible in a mean time of 8.8 weeks. Mean duration of hospital stay was 9.8 days. The results were excellent in 13 patients (59.0%), successful in six (27.2%) and poor in three patients (13.6%). All patients had early return to school.

Conclusion:

Intramedullary fixation titanium elastic nailing is an effective treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the femur in properly selected patients of the 6-16 years age group.     

逆行和顺行置髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折的疗效比较

目的比较逆行和顺行置髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折的临床疗效。方法将57例股骨干骨折患者按置钉方式的不同分为对照组(经大转子顺行置髓内钉治疗,25例)和观察组(经股骨髁逆行置髓内钉治疗,32例)。比较两组术中透视次数、手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间、术后6个月Harris评分。结果患者均获得随访,时间7~12个月。手术时间、术中出血量观察组明显短(少)于对照组(P<0.05);术中透视次数、骨折愈合时间以及术后6个月Harris评分两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论逆行和顺行置髓内钉治疗股骨干骨折均能取得满意的临床疗效,但逆行置髓内钉具有手术操作简单、无需使用牵引床、手术时间短、术中出血量少等优点,更利于基层医院使用。     

Retrograde intramedullary nailing in distal femoral fractures--results in a series of 46 consecutive operations

We present a series of 44 consecutive patients with 46 distal femoral fractures, who were treated with a retrograde intramedullary nail (Distal Femoral Nail (DFN)). Operational data, per- and post-operative complications and the outcome were studied retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 9 months. The final union rate was 95%, with a mean union time of 17.5 (8-68) weeks. Restoration of the limb axial alignment and length was inadequate in two cases, whereas three losses of reduction and one non-union were observed. Two cases of distal locking screw breakage were also observed. Moreover, one patient suffered from an iatrogenic lesion of the branch of the deep femoral artery. No deep, but three superficial infections were observed. In conclusion, our results suggest that DFN is a reliable alternative in distal femoral fracture treatment with a low complication rate.     

Stabilization of supra- and intercondylar femoral fractures with retrograde interlocking nailing

Surgical Principles In patients with supracondylar fracture the closed reduction and internal fixation with a medullary pin or nail [1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13] very frequently cause a deformity of the distal end of the femur. A fixation is not possible in the presence of a short distal fragment. In these instances and in intercondylar femoral fractures an angled blade-plate, a dynamic condylar screw, a T- or Y-shaped plate, or an external fixator can be used [6–9, 11]. If there is an instability on the medial side of the fracture, additional cancellous bone grafting is indicated. In spite of adequate postoperative care the plate becomes sometimes loose and due to it a varus deformity results with decreased knee motion. To avoid these complications Henry et al. developed the GSH-nail [3]. The nail is inserted into the medullary canal of the femur through a transarticular approach. The nail has to be locked at the distal and proximal end. If the fracture is comminuted, restoration of the articular surface has to be achieved first. In 1991 we modified this method and developed an appropriate intramedullary nail and an insertion handle.     

Retrograde femoral nailing of periprosthetic fractures around total knee replacements

IntroductionThe incidence of primary total knee replacement (TKR) is increasing with a resultant rise in those patients sustaining distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around TKRs. The management of these fractures pose a significant challenge. The compatibility of retrograde femoral intramedullary (IM) nails with femoral TKR components needs to be considered preoperatively when this complex pathology is addressed. The aim of this study was to update the literature and assess the compatibility of the most commonly used primary TKR prostheses and retrograde femoral IM nails using a Sawbone anatomical model.Methods and materialsEight of the most commonly used primary TKR prostheses and four of the most commonly used retrograde femoral IM nails were identified. The femoral components of the TKRs were implanted onto left sided femoral Sawbones using the manufacturer's guides and cutting blocks and positioned appropriately. The retrograde IM nails were inserted using the conventional entry point and a nail was deemed compatible if this was possible through the femoral prosthesis. Details of whether a posterior entry point was required to allow insertion, whether the femoral nail was scratched by the femoral TKR prosthesis on insertion and whether excess force was required to insert the retrograde femoral IM nail were recorded.ResultsThe Biomet AGC Cruciate Retaining (CR) and Posterior Stabilised (PS) TKR were the only prostheses that were compatible with all the nails used. The other TKR prostheses were not compatible because of the force required to gain entry, scratching of the retrograde femoral IM nail or because a posterior entry point was required to gain entry through the intercondylar notch.ConclusionThe majority of standard sized retrograde femoral nails are technically feasible for insertion through most femoral TKR components but this study has found that they are not compatible due to excessive force required for insertion, damage to the nail during insertion or the risk of anterior cortex perforation. Further studies are required to update the compatibility table and cadaveric studies would confirm the findings and allow further mechanical testing.     

The clinical and radiological outcomes of the LISS plate for distal femoral fractures: A systematic review

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the literature evaluating the clinical and radiological outcomes following less invasive surgical stabilisation system (LISS) fixation of distal femoral fractures (AO 32/33).

Methods

A review of EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and AMED from their inception to November 2008, sources of grey literature and a pertinent hand search of specialist orthopaedic journals was undertaken.

Results

Twenty-one studies assessing 663 patients with 694 fractures were reviewed. The findings suggest that the LISS system may be an appropriate fixation method for the management of distal femoral fractures. However, there remains a high incidence of loss of reduction (n = 134; 19%), delayed or non-union (n = 40; 6%) and implant failure (n = 38; 5%). On analysis, such complications were largely confined to articles published before 2005, therefore during the infancy of the widespread clinical application of this trauma system. On critical appraisal, the evidence-base remains limited by recruiting small, under-powered sample sizes and poorly accounting for confounding variables such as osteoporosis, diabetes, multi-trauma and fracture classification.

Conclusion

Further study is required to assess the outcomes of LISS fixation in specific patient populations, and to compare the outcome of this fixation method to condylar plates and intrameduallary devices, to determine the optimal management strategy for this complex patient group.     

Outcome analysis of retrograde nailing and less invasive stabilization system in distal femoral fractures: A retrospective analysis

Background:

Two major therapeutic principles can be employed for the treatment of distal femoral fractures: retrograde intramedullary (IM) nailing (RN) or less invasive stabilization on system (LISS). Both operative stabilizing systems follow the principle of biological osteosynthesis. IM nailing protects the soft-tissue envelope due to its minimally invasive approach and closed reduction techniques better than distal femoral locked plating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare outcome of distal femur fracture stabilization using RN or LISS techniques.

Materials and Methods:

In a retrospective study from 2003 to 2008, we analyzed 115 patients with distal femur fracture who had been treated by retrograde IM nailing (59 patients) or LISS plating (56 patients). In the two cohort groups, mean age was 54 years (17–89 years). Mechanism of injury was high energy impact in 57% (53% RN, 67% LISS) and low-energy injury in 43% (47% RN, 33% LISS), respectively. Fractures were classified according to AO classification: there were 52 type A fractures (RN 31, LISS 21) and 63 type C fractures (RN 28, LISS 35); 32% (RN) and 56% (LISS) were open and 68% (RN) and 44% (LISS) were closed fractures, respectively. Functional and radiological outcome was assessed.

Results:

Clinical and radiographic evaluation demonstrated osseous healing within 6 months following RN and following LISS plating in over 90% of patients. However, no statistically significant differences were found for the parameters time to osseous healing, rate of nonunion, and postoperative complications. The following complications were treated: hematoma formation (one patient RN and three patients LISS), superficial infection (one patient RN and three patients LISS), deep infection (2 patients LISS). Additional secondary bone grafting for successful healing 3 months after the primary operation was required in four patients in the RN (7% of patients) and six in the LISS group (10% of patients). Accumulative result of functional outcome using the Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) score demonstrated in type A fractures a score of 263 (RN) and 260 (LISS), and in type C fractures 257 (RN) and 218 (LISS). Differences between groups for type A were statistically insignificant, statistical analysis for type C fractures between the two groups are not possible, since in type C2 and C3 fractures only LISS plating was performed.

Conclusion:

Both retrograde IM nailing and angular stable plating are adequate treatment options for distal femur fractures. Locked plating can be used for all distal femur fractures including complex type C fractures, periprosthetic fractures, as well as osteoporotic fractures. IM nailing provides favorable stability and can be successfully implanted in bilateral or multisegmental fractures of the lower extremity as well as in extra-articular fractures. However, both systems require precise preoperative planning and advanced surgical experience to reduce the risk of revision surgery. Clinical outcome largely depends on surgical technique rather than on the choice of implant.     

Comparison of dynamic versus static fixation of intramedullary nailing in tibial diaphyseal fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionTibial fractures are common long bone injuries, often surgically fixed with intramedullary nails. Modern intramedullary tibial nails allow for two different fixation modes, namely static and dynamic modes. While studies have demonstrated benefits of using either fixation modes, there has been no consensus as to which fixation mode would produce better outcomes and less complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of dynamic versus static fixation of intramedullary nails in the operative fixation of tibial diaphyseal fractures.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted with a multi-database search (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Medline) according to PRISMA guidelines on April 15, 2021. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analysed with fixed- and random-effects models.Findings/results: A total of 478 statically fixed and 234 dynamically fixed patients were included in this meta-analysis. Dynamically fixed patients had a significantly shorter mean time to union (mean difference, MD = 5.18 weeks, 95%CI: 1.95–8.41 weeks, p = 0.002) and reoperation rates (OR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.10–0.47, p < 0.001) than statically fixed patients. No significant difference was found between both groups in terms of malrotation (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.07–4.41, p = 0.59), non-union (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.24–5.05, p = 0.91), delayed union (OR = 1.15, 95%CI: 0.19–7.17, p = 0.88) and malunion (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.29–25.26, p = 0.38).ConclusionWhile acknowledging that there is widespread surgeon preference to dyanamise or statically fix intramedullary nails in certain tibial fracture configurations, primary dynamic fixation of intramedullary tibial nails demonstrated significantly shorter times to bony union and less complications than static nailing in our meta-analysis. Further research on identifying patient factors and fracture patterns that would best benefit from dynamic fixation is required.     

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.     

钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的系统评价

[目的]对钢板内固定与髓内钉固定治疗成人肱骨干骨折的疗效进行系统评价.[方法]在Pubmed、Co-chrane Library、EMBASE、Science Direct以及CNKI、CBM、中国医学学术会议论文数据库等网站进行检索.文献检索起止时间为1995年1月～2010年9月.再对入选文献的参考文献进行手工检索.系统收集钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的相关文献,并按临床科研方法的国际通用原则进行阅读和评价.采用Cochrane协作网提供的软件Revman 4.2进行Meta-分析,以获得钢板内固定和髓内钉固定治疗肱骨干骨折的疗效及其安全性指标的相关证据.[结果]共检索到192篇原始文献,有6篇符合最终的入选标准,总计随访患者335例.Meta分析结果表明,钢板内固定与髓内钉固定比较,可显著降低再次手术发生率但是增加术后感染率.[结论]钢板内固定可显著降低再次手术发生率但是增加术后感染率.在骨折不愈合率、医源性神经损伤等方面,两者差异无统计学意义.因本次系统评价纳入病例数较少,尚需要更多设计严谨的大样本随机对照研究来增加证据的论证强度.