Retrograde dynamic locked intramedullary nailing for aseptic supracondylar femoral nonunion after dynamic condylar screw treatment

Objective

Supracondylar femoral nonunions after dynamic condylar screw (DCS) treatment are uncommon, and few studies have addressed an optimal treatment technique for this disorder. Re-insertion of a new plate may not be secure because of bony defects in the distal fragment, created by the lag screw of the DCS.

Materials and methods

Forty-two consecutive adult patients with 42 supracondylar femoral nonunions were treated with removal of the DCS, re-alignment of the knee axis, and insertion of a retrograde dynamic traditional femoral locked nail. When necessary, a humeral plate was augmented to reinforce rotational stability.

Results

A final group of 36 patients with 36 nonunions were followed for an average of 2.8 years (range 1.1–6.2 years). All nonunions healed with a union rate of 100 %, and the average time to union was 4.2 months (range 2.5–5.5 months). Complications included two malunions. There were no instances of nonunion or deep infection. Satisfactory knee function among 36 patients improved from 8.2 % preoperatively to 86.1 % at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). All 36 patients could walk without aids.

Conclusion

The described technique may be an excellent alternative treatment for an aseptic supracondylar femoral nonunion after DCS treatment. The technique is not difficult, and the union rate and satisfactory rate are high.