Abstract
Introduction: The treatment of femoral nonunions remains challenging despite modern surgical techniques and adjuncts to fracture healing. We present a series of 14 patients in whom a bifocal treatment technique has been used in order to achieve bony union and correct limb length.
Methods: Patients were identified from theatre records and their hospital notes and x-rays were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent bifocal treatment for femoral nonunions – debridement and internal fixation (single or double plating) of the nonunion and lengthening at the opposite end of the bone to correct limb length discrepancy. Initially the procedures were staged, with treatment of the non-union then subsequent lengthening. However, our technique has evolved to perform all procedures in a single stage. All lengthening procedures were done with a monolateral (Orthofix LRS) fixator.
Results: 11 patients had distal and 3 proximal femoral nonunions. 13 patients were male and 1 female. The non-union united with the index procedure in 13 patients, 1 is still undergoing treatment. Limb length discrepancy range 2–5 cm was fully corrected in all patients with no axial deviation of the regenerate. There were no pin site problems.
Discussion: Femoral nonunions are challenging due to multiple previous procedures, insecure grip on the smaller fragment and bone loss. Successful union can be achieved by ORIF with bone grafting, but this does not restore length. Treatment by the Ilizarov method alone is associated with significant morbidity, particularly knee stiffness. A bifocal strategy provides stable internal fixation of the non-union to allow bone healing, and any consequent loss of length is safely restored. We believe this to be a safe and effective technique to treat femoral nonunions.
Correspondence should be addressed to BLRS c/o BOA, at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE, England.
