Open reduction and intramedullary nailing of shaft femur, an advantage or disadvantage? A prospective study

Author(s): Dr. Syed Shahebaz Hussain Kazmi and Dr. Abhijith Patil

Abstract: Aim of this study is to evaluate results of open technique in the treatment of femoral shaft fracture with interlocking intramedullary nailing. In this prospective study, the patients were admitted to the department of Orthopedics, Bangalore medical college and research institute. We assume that open technique is not a disadvantage during union process over closed technique in treatment of femoral shaft fracture with interlocking nailing. 25 patients that were consulted for adult femoral shaft fracture between October 2016 to November 2017 were included. Patients with open fractures, neurovascular injuries, and patients that did not have isolated femoral diaphysis fractures were excluded from the study. Clinical and radiological results of the patients were followed up periodically. The open interlocking intramedullary nailing was used in treatment. Complete union rate was 84% in 21 patients who were treated with open interlocking intramedullary nailing for adult femoral shaft fracture, and nonunion rate was 16% in four patients. Mean union time was 22 weeks. Evaluation of 25 patients according to Thoresen criteria was excellent in 10 patients, good in 7 patients, moderate in 5 and bad in 3 patients. We think that open technique is an acceptable technique and advantages of open technique over closed technique cannot be ignored.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2019.v5.i4f.1693