Open AccessPrimary Unreamed and Unlocked Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures
Author(s) -
Ejb Sié,
AD Kacou,
A Traoré,
BL Séry,
Y Lambin
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
malaysian orthopaedic journal/malaysian orthopaedic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.271
H-Index - 6
eISSN - 2232-111X
pISSN - 1985-2533
DOI - 10.5704/moj.1207.014
Subject(s) - intramedullary rod , medicine , femoral shaft , surgery , orthodontics
In this retrospective study, we present our experience using open Küntscher nailing (K-nailing) which is still performed in developing countries for femoral fractures. Of 157 acute fractures treated between January 2003 and December 2009, 100 were stable (63.7%) and 135 were located within the middle third of the shaft (86%). Comminution was absent or minimal in 135 (86%) cases. Fracture union was achieved at an average of 14 weeks (range, 10 - 25). The duration of follow-up was 17 months (range, 6 - 36). Final evaluation showed that 129 (82.2%) patients had a good result according to modified Kempf's criteria. The predominant complications were infection (n=5; 3.2%), nonunion (n=9; 5.5%), implant failure (n=11; 7%), and malunion (n=27; 17.3%). Open reduction and fixation with a tight fitting Knail can give good results in selected acute femoral shaft fractures but knowledge of potential complications is needed.