O2097 SURGICAL STABILISATION OF IMPENDING FEMORAL PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES. FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH LONG PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL

Abstract

Aim: To report the experience with the new device, the Long Proximal Femoral Nail (Long PFN) in patients with impending pathological femoral fractures to identify the advantages and complications associated with its usage. This is the þrst in the series on the use of Long PFN for patients with femoral metastases. Methods: Between April 2000 and September 2001, twenty-þve consecutive patients with femoral pathological lesions were prophylactically stabilised using Long PFN. The nailings were performed using a percutaneous closed technique. Lateral femoral Line (LFL) technique was used for location of the entry point and easy insertion for the nail. Only the proximal one þfth of the femur was reamed to accommodate the 17 mm diameter of the proximal part of the nail. Results: We had technical problems in three patients. The overall mobility of the patients improved in twenty patients and the mobility remained the same as preoperative level in þve patients. Good to excellent pain relief achieved in eighteen patients. The pain relief was fair in þve patients and poor in two patients. We had no mechanical failure of the implant in our series. Conclusion: Long PFN, a modiþed reconstruction nail, which can be inserted percutaneously and has an easy operation technique. Our early experience with Long PFN in the management of impending femoral fractures has been favourable.