Delayed management of high energy femoral shaft fractures is associated with increased complication rates. It has been suggested that there is less urgency to stabilize lower energy femoral shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical delay on 30-day complications following fixation of lower energy femoral shaft fractures. Patients ≥ 18 years who underwent either plate or nail fixation of low energy (falls from standing or up to three steps' height) femoral shaft fractures from 2005 – 2016 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) via procedural codes. Patients with pathologic fractures, fractures of the distal femur or femoral neck were excluded. Patients were categorized into early (< 2 4 hours) or delayed surgery (2–30 days) groups. Bivariate analyses were used to compare demographics and unadjusted rates of complications between groups. A multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the rate of major and minor complications between groups, while adjusting for relevant covariables. Head injury patients and polytrauma patients are not included in the NSQIP database. Of 2,716 lower energy femoral shaft fracture patients identified, 2,412 (89%) were treated within 1 day of hospital admission, while 304 (11.2%) were treated between 2 and 30 days post hospital admission. Patient age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score, presence of diabetes, functional status, smoking status, and surgery type (nail vs. plate) were significantly different between groups (p After adjusting for all relevant covariables, delayed surgery significantly increased the odds of 30-day minor complications (p=0.02, OR = 1.48 95%CI 1.01–2.16), and 30-day mortality (p < 0 .001), OR = 1.31 (95%CI 1.03–2.14). The delay of surgical fixation of femoral shaft fractures appears to significantly increase patients' risk of minor adverse events as well as increase mortality. With only 89% of patients being treated in the 24 hour timeframe that constitutes best practice for treatment of femoral shaft fractures, there remains room for improvement. These results suggest that early treatment of all femoral shaft fractures, even those with a lower energy mechanism of injury, leads to improved outcomes

Introduction Retrograde nailing of femoral shaft fractures, through the knee joint, have been increasing. The indications for retrograde nailing are presently still evolving. This paper aims to discuss the indications for retrograde nailing. Methods We had conducted a prospective trial of nailing of femoral shaft fractures, using the retrograde approach. Nails were placed and reamed, with both distal and proximal locking done. Attention was given to the appropriate entry point. A literature review is also presented. Results The set-up was easy. Operative time was a median of 70 minutes and average blood loss 200 mls. Time to union was 15 weeks with minimal complications, but dynamisation rates were high. No knee problems were found at a follow-up period of 47 months. Conclusions The indications for retrograde nailing are ipsilateral femoral and acetabular fractures, ipsilateral patellar and femoral shaft fractures, ipsilateral tibial amd femoral shaft fractures, multiple trauma, femoral fracture with previous ipsilateral hip fusion, bilateral femoral shaft fractures, the obese or pregnant patient with a unilateral/bilateral femoral shaft fractures and perhaps the elderly with a unilateral femoral shaft fracture. We feel that the retrograde nailing is a useful technique for the orthopaedic surgeon to have in his/her armamentarium. Due to the longer union time and possible knee damage, indications should be respected

Non-operative treatment is usually employed in the treatment of femoral fractures in young individuals. Malunion, delayed union, joint stiffness, limb length discrepancy, psychological problems and delay in functional recovery are well known complications of conservative treatment. The length of hospital stay that will be a part of non-operative treatment will add to the cost of the treatment. We report our experience with intramedullary nailing of closed femoral shaft fractures with a new femoral nail in adolescent patients with an open physis. We treated 13 patients between 1995 and 2004 aged between 8–16 years (8 males and 5 females) with a new femoral nail for closed femoral shaft fractures using the tip of the greater trochanter as the entry point. 11 of the 13 patients had removal of the femoral nail. The mechanism of injury, length of hospital stay, patient mental well-being, surgical technique, requirement of secondary surgical procedures, associated complications, post-operative mobility, return to pre-injury status, range of movement at the hip and knee are discussed. At follow up ranging from few months to 7 years, we found no leg length discrepancy, rotational deformity, limp, problems with physis and all patients had a full range of movement at the hip and knee. External fixation, elastic intramedullary nails, plate and screw fixation are other surgical options available to treat femoral shaft fractures. Children poorly tolerate external fixators and plate fixation can be associated with a high incidence of complications. Flexible intramedullary fixation of femoral shaft fractures is an attractive option, but is technically difficult and is associated with a learning curve. In our view, intramedullary nailing is a simple, safe, efficient and effective method of treatment of femoral shaft fractures in adolescent patients with open physis

Introduction. Atypical femoral fracture focused on relation of bisphosphonate use, frequently. However, the mechanism of atypical femoral fracture was not yet clarified. Atypical femoral fractures have been kept femoral shaft cortical thickness and BMD, practically. We hypothesized that atypical femoral fractures were associated with impaired bone quality and curvature of femoral shaft. Materials & Methods. We experienced four atypical femoral fractures. One was subtrochanteric and three were shaft fracture. Two cases received bisphosphonate therapy for 3–5 years. BMD, bone metabolic markers, and bone quality markers were evaluated. Histomorphometry and collagen cross-link analysis were performed. Curvature of femoral shaft and 3-D finite element analysis in one incomplete fracture case were assessed. Results. BMD values were either maintained or not severely decreased. Deterioration of bone quality were verified by the results of histomorphometry, collagen cross-link analysis, and bone quality maker. Especially, homocystine values, such as one of bone quality markers, were increased in all cases. All atypical femoral shaft fractures showed outward curvature of femoral bone. In one case of incomplete atypical femoral shaft fracture, stress was concentrated at the fracture region according 3-D finite element analysis. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that atypical femoral fractures were estimated associated with deterioration of bone quality and curvature of femoral shaft

Patients with a femoral shaft fracture requiring intra-medullary nailing were recruited to investigate if the femoral canal could be a potential source of inflammatory cytokines, previously implicated in the pathogenesis of life-threatening inflammatory complications. Femoral and peripheral blood samples were obtained at the time of surgery from patients with a femoral shaft fracture requiring intramedullary nailing. The local femoral intramedullary and peripheral release of a group of ten Th1 and Th2 cytokines concentrations (IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, GM-CSF, TNF-a and IFN-g) after femoral shaft fracture and intramedullary reaming, if performed, was measured using a Human Cytokine Antibody 10-plex Bead Kit. A control group of patients(n=3) undergoing hip replacement was established to allow comparison with the normal femoral intramedullary cytokine environment. 21 patients with a femoral shaft fracture were recruited. Femoral shaft fracture caused a significant increase in the local femoral concentrations of IL-6 (median 3967pg/ml; range 128–25,689pg/ml) and IL-8 (median 238pg/ml; range 8–8,288pg/ml) compared to the femoral control group(p=0.0005 and p=0.001 respectively). No significant local femoral release of the other cytokines was demonstrated. In the patients who underwent intramedullary reaming of the femoral canal (n=6), a further significant local release of IL-6 (median post-ream 15,903pg/ml; range 1,854–44,922pg/ml) and IL-8 (median post-ream 1,443pg/ml; range 493–3,734pg/ml) was demonstrated (p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively), thus showing that intramedullary reaming can cause a significant local inflammatory response. Femoral shaft fracture produces a local inflammatory response releasing large amounts of the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 into the local femoral environment but not of the other Th1 and Th2 cytokines studied. Reaming, produced significant elevation in local femoral IL-6 and IL-8 concentration, suggesting a local femoral response as a result of this procedure. Possibly, local femoral environment may act as a cell-priming or stimulating zone, for circulating inflammatory cells

Background: Pediatric comminuted femoral shaft fractures are not frequent but difficult in treatment due to concomitant injuries and instability. Although orthopaedic literature is rich in reports on paediatric femoral shaft fractures only few focus on comminuted ones. Purpose: The aim of the study is to present results and complications of surgical treatment in comminuted femoral shaft fractures during growing age. Material and Methods: Between 2001–2006 twenty eight children presented with 29 wedge or complex femoral shaft fractures. All children underwent clinical and radiographic examination on follow up and their medical data was retrospectively reviewed. TEN scoring criteria, time to solid union, early and late complications were of the primary interest during follow up assessment. Results: There were 18 boys (64,3%) and 10 (35,7%) girls. Their mean age during injury was 10,1 years and average follow up period was 35,7 months. In 15 children (53,6%) multiple injuries were present. Three fractures were treated conservatively, the remaining 26 underwent closed or open reduction with stabilization using EBI external fixation, intramedullary Rush or TEN rodding, multiple screws or plate osteosynthesis. On follow up there were 12 (41,4%) excellent, 14 satisfactory (48,2%), 3 poor (10,4%) results. All fractures united and a mean time to achieve solid union was 20,7 weeks. Leg length discrepancy occurred in 20 children (71,4%), and in 10 (35,7%) was greater than 10 mm. Four children required in early secondary surgical procedures to achieve better alignment or fracture stabilization. One femoral osteomyelitis required in surgical drainage and prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Comminuted femoral shaft fractures in children heal well after surgical treatment although the risk of serious complications is high. Intramedullary rodding seems to be sufficient in most cases. Screw fixation alone should be avoided

Background. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures is a common problem reported in up to 43% of cases. Comminuted fractures with radiographic loss of bony landmarks have an increased possibility of being fixed with unequal leg lengths. Aims. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of routinely obtaining a CT scanogram post-operatively on patients of comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and immediate correction of limb length inequality if indicated. Results. Twenty one patients with comminuted femoral shaft fractures that were treated with intramedullary nailing and underwent a CT scannogram for evaluation of LLD were included in the study. There were 12 patients with Winquist III and 9 with a Winquist IV fracture pattern. Following surgery leg lengths were measured from the CT scanograms using a computerised measuring ruler. The largest leg length discrepancy noted on scannogram was 4 cm. The average limb length discrepancy was 0.67 cm. Eight patients had a discrepancy of 1cm or greater. We also measured the tibial length in all patients and found only 3 patients with exactly equal tibial lengths. A tibial length discrepancy less than 5mm was observed in 11 patients. In 7 patients it was between 5-9mm and in 3 patients it was 10mm or greater. Four patients underwent leg length correction during the same admission. Conclusion. The decision to undertake correction of the LLD is primarily dependant on the degree of discrepancy. The degree of LLD that requires correction remains undefined. In this study LLD of greater than 15mm was considered for equalisation. Immediate equalisation saves cost, morbidity, delayed sequelae and litigation. Tibial length discrepancy may contribute to the total leg length discrepancy and requires consideration. We recommend a post-operative scanogram costing $380 in patients of comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing

Background. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of internal fixation using two ordinary plates with autogenous bone grafting in the management of non-union of femoral shaft fractures over a period of eleven years. Method. A retrospective study of double plating and autogenous bone grafting for un-united femoral shaft fractures performed by the two Senior Authors between 1996 and 2007. During this period, twenty-one cases were carried out. Details of preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative findings were assessed. Postoperative follow up was recorded over a period of minimum two years. The procedure was performed using two ordinary plates; a broad lateral and narrow anterior plates. Autogenous cancellous grafts from iliac crest were used in all of the cases, and in some, half fibulas were inserted through the medullary canal of the femur. Results. A total of twenty-one patients were included in the study. All of them received previous treatment. The primary treatment was by intramedullary nailing in thirteen patients, uni-plating in four, external fixator in three, and traction in one. The average age was 32 (range from 16 to 52). The average interval between the initial fracture and the treatment of the non-unions was 13 months (range from 6 to 28 months). All wounds, both at fracture site and the graft donor site, healed primarily except one. That was at an iliac crest graft donor site, where superficial infection occurred, and was treated with antibiotics and healed 6 weeks later. All patients achieved union on an average of 16 weeks (range from 12 to 28 weeks). There has been no failure in implants. The average lower limb shortening was 0.75 cm (range from 0.5 to 1.0 cm). No one requested shoe raise. All the patients regained the preoperative range of motion at the hip and knee joints except four, who had limited flexion to 100 degrees. Conclusion. We conclude that double plating with autogenous bone grafting is not only a convenient method to treat non-union of femoral shaft fractures as it requires minimal instrumentation and equipment, but it should also be considered as a safe and accepted treatment method as postoperatively patients can be discharged early on crutches, with a high success rate. It is less expensive, an important consideration in developing countries

Purpose. Tibial and femoral component overhang in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a source of pain, thus is it important to understand anatomic differences between races to minimize overhang by matching the tibial and femoral shaft axis to the knee articular surface. Thus, this study compared knee morphology between Caucasian and East Asian individuals to determine the optimal placement of tibial and femoral stems. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on a matched cohort of 50 East Asians (21F, 29M) and 50 Caucasians (21F, 29M) by age and gender. CT scans were obtained in healthy volunteers using <2mm slices. The distance from the proximal tibial diaphysis axis to the tibial plateau center was measured, and the distance from the distal femoral diaphysis axis to the center of distal femoral articular surface was measured. Tibial measurements were made using Akagi's AP axis and the widest ML diameter, and femoral measurements were based on Whiteside's line and the surgical epicondylar axis. Results. The ML distance between the tibial shaft center and Akagi line was significantly higher for Asians (9.9mm±2.7, Caucasians 7.7mm±3.1, p<0.001). The distance between the femoral shaft center and Whiteside line was lower, although not significantly different (Asians 1.9mm±1.0, Caucasians 2.2mm±1.1, p=0.11). However, there were no differences in the AP dimension for the femur or tibia comparing Asians to Caucasians. Conclusion. East Asian individuals have more offset in the ML dimension for the tibia. This should be taken into consideration when designing primary and revision TKA stemmed tibial implants for East Asian patients

Femoral shaft fractures are potentially devastating injuries. Despite this, clinical studies of the biomechanics of this injury are lacking. We aimed to clinically evaluate bone behaviour under high and low energy trauma in paediatric, adult and older patients. Single-centre retrospective study identifying all diaphyseal femoral fractures between Feb 2015-Feb 2017. Peri-prosthetic and pathological fractures were excluded. Patients were subdivided into groups 1 (paediatric, <16yo), 2 (adult, 17–55yo) and 3 (older, >55yo) to reflect immature, peak bone age and osteoporotic bone respectively. Chi-Squared analysis assessed significance of bone age to degree of comminution and fracture pattern. A p-value <0.05 was significant. A total 4130 radiographs were analysed with 206 femoral shaft fractures identified. Forty-three patients were excluded with 163 remaining. Group 1, 2 and 3 included 38, 37 and 88 patients respectively. Mean age 50.8 (SD 32.8) with male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Groups 1 and 3 included majority simple fractures (35/38 and 62/88 respectively). Group 2 included more comminuted injuries (33/37). Bone age to degree of comminution proved significant (p<0.05) with a bimodal distribution of simple fractures noted in groups 1 and 3. Energy to fracture was significant in group 2, where a high energy injury was associated with comminution (p<0.05). This study is the first to demonstrate an association between fracture comminution and age. Simple femoral shaft fractures showed a bimodal age distribution in paediatric and older patients regardless of mechanism energy. High energy mechanism trauma was directly related to fracture comminution at peak bone age

Introduction: Nailing of the femoral shaft fractures has almost exclusively been done through the antegrade approach. This involves the use of a traction table and location of the entry point piriform fossa can be difficult especially in the obese or well-built patient. The set-up and operative time and blood loss can be considerable. We conducted a prospective study of nailing of femoral fractures, using the retrograde approach (through the knee joint) to measure the operating time, blood loss and knee function. A purpose built retrograde system was used (ART Nail ® ACE Medical Company-El Segundo, California). Materials & Methods: Seventeen patients who had a femoral shaft fracture, either as an isolated injury, or with associated with other injuries were nailed using the Art Nail, using the retrograde approach. The patients were placed on a radiolucent table, with a bolster place under the knee joint. A stienmann pin was inserted into the ipsilateral tibia 1” inferior and posterior to the tibial tubercle. This was used to apply traction manually by an assistant. The surgical approach was to split the patella tendon and the knee joint was entered. Using a light source, the nail entry point at the intercondylar notch, 7mm anterior to the PCL, is located. The rest of the operative procedure was done according to the operative manual. Blood loss was estimated by the anaesthesiologist. A drain was inserted into the knee joint after a through wash-out and continuos passive motion was started when the drain was removed on the 2nd postoperative day. Results: Fourteen had a single fracture while 3 had other associated fractures. The age range of was 28 to 67 years. Operative time was 60–100 minutes with blood loss ranging from 50–600 mls,with the median at 200mls. Post-operative drainage was 10–335 mls with median at 100mls. One patient developed distal deep vein thrombosis. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Union occurred at 12–20 weeks in fourteen patients, Two patients had to undergo dynamisation of the nail, one of which required a bone grafting to achieve union at 24 weeks. Two patients had a 1cm shortening of the limb and there were no malrotations. Two patients had < 5 degree medial–lateral angulation, on X-ray. At six months follow-up, fourteen patients had full range of motion at the knee joint, while one patient who had chondrocalcinosis had range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees. . The follow-up period is from 10–26 months. No patient complained of pain or instability of the knee joint. Conclusion: The retrograde approach is a safe and quick method of nailing femoral shaft fractures with no medium term effects on the knee joint

Introduction: This study compared the accuracy of reduction of intra-medullary nailed femoral shaft fractures, comparing conventional and computer navigation techniques. Methods: Twenty femoral shaft fractures were created in human cadavers, with segmental defects ranging from 9–53mm in length. All fractures were fixed with antegrade 9mm diameter femoral nails on a radiolucent operating table. Five fractures (control) were fixed with conventional techniques. Fifteen fractures (study) were fixed with computer navigation, using fluoroscopic images of the normal femur to correct for length and rotation. The surgeon was blinded to defect size. Two landmark protocols were used in the study group referencing the piriform fossa (Group A, n=10) or proximal shaft axis (Group B, n=5). Postoperative CT scans, blindly reported by a musculoskeletal radiologist, were used to compare femoral length and rotation with the normal leg. Results were analysed using ANOVA with 95% Confidence Intervals. Results: The control and study groups were not statistically different with respect to age of cadaver or size of femoral defect. Results: The mean leg length discrepancy in the study groups were significantly less (3.6mm (95% CI 1.072 – 6.128) and 4.2mm (95% CI 0.63–7.75), compared with 9.8mm (95% CI 6.225 – 13.37) in the control group (p< 0.023). The mean torsional deformities in the study groups were 8.7 degrees (95% CI 4.282 – 13.12) and 5.6 degrees (95% CI -0.65 – 11.85), compared with 9 degrees (95% CI 2.752 – 15.25) in the control group (p=0.650). Within the navigated study group, length discrepancy was similar in subgroups 1 (3.6mm) and 2 (4.2mm). Torsion appeared more accurate in group 2 (5.6 degrees) than group 1 (8.7 degrees), although this was not statistically significant. Discussion: Computer navigation significantly improves the accuracy of femoral shaft fracture fixation with regard to length. With further modifications to improve reduction of rotational deformity, it may be a useful technique in the treatment of femoral fractures

This study investigated the effect presence, method, and timing of fixation of femoral shaft fractures have on the morbidity and mortality of patients with pulmonary contusion. In the multiply-injured patient with femoral shaft fractures, early (< 24 hours) fracture stabilization with closed, reamed, statically-locked intramedullary nailing has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. Controversy exists as to whether such treatment compromises the outcome in patients that have significant co-existing pulmonary injury. This study is the first to specifically investigate the sub-group of patients that have pulmonary contusion. A retrospective review of patients presenting to a Level One trauma center from 1990 to 2002 with pulmonary contusion identified three hundred and twenty-two cases. Patient characteristics of age, sex, GCS, ISS, AIS, presence of femoral shaft fracture, method and timing of treatment of femoral shaft fracture, and presence of other pulmonary injuries were recorded, as were the outcomes of pulmonary complications (acute lung injury (ALI), ARDS, fat embolism syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia), days on ventilatory support, days in the intensive care unit and ward, and death. There were no significant differences in the patient characteristics between groups with and without femoral shaft fracture. Except for an increased likelihood of the femoral shaft fracture group having ALI (RR 1.11), there were no significant differences in outcomes between the femur fracture/non-femur fracture groups. As well, there were no significant differences in outcomes between the groups that had fracture fixation before or after twenty-four hours or had the fracture fixed with or without intramedullary nailing. The presence, method, and timing of treatment of femoral shaft fractures do not increase the morbidity or mortality of trauma patients that have pulmonary contusion

Purpose: The management of disabling knee osteoarthritis of the knee following malunion of an ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture is difficult and controversial. The purpose of this study is to analyse the results of femoral shaft osteotomy at the level of the old fracture in seven such patients. Materials and Methods: Seven patients with old malunited femoral shaft fractures presented with disabling knee osteoarthritis between 1992 and 1999. Knee symptoms and function were graded at presentation. All underwent open femoral shaft osteotomy at the apex of the deformity, with locked intramedullary nail fixation. The patients were followed up regularly until osteotomy union and reviewed clinically and radiologically with particular emphasis on knee symptoms and function. Results: There were six males and one female. The mean age at presentation was 55 years and mean time from the fracture was 28 years (range 13–35 years). The mean preoperative knee alignment angle was 5.60 varus (range O′12′). The mean time to osteotomy union was 28 months. The mean postoperative knee alignment angle was 20 valgus (range 50 valgus -50 varus). All patients reported significant improvement in knee symptoms and function. One osteotomy was followed by a serious vascular complication and the patient now has a stiff but pain free knee. One patient with very advanced osteoarthritis underwent an uncomplicated total knee replacement after osteotomy union and nail removal. Conclusion: These patients presenting with severe disability at an age which is worryingly young for total knee arthroplasty present a difficult management problem. Five out seven patients had excellent symptomatic and functional improvement following the femoral shaft osteotomy. The possible need for knee replacement was delayed by at least 5 years and the eventual arthroplasty is likely to have been made less technically difficult and more functionally satisfactory as a result of the alignment correction

Twenty one cases of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures, between January 1998 and December 2001, managed by reconstruction nail were reviewed. All patients underwent simultaneous surgery for both fractures and operative treatment was executed as early as general condition of the patient permitted. Delay in treatment was generally because of associated injuries [head, chest or abdominal]. There were 20 males and 1female patients with an average age of 34.5 years. There was delayed diagnosis of neck fracture in 2 cases and these cases were not included in the study. Our average follow-up is 30.9 months. There was one case of nonunion of a femoral neck fracture, one case of avascular necrosis and one neck fracture that united in varus. There were 4 nonunions and 6 cases of delayed union of femoral shaft fractures. Mean time for union of femoral neck fracture was 15 weeks and for shaft fracture was 22 weeks. In our results, shaft fracture determined the total union period. Though complications involving the femoral shaft fracture were greater than the femoral neck fractures, the shaft complications were more manageable compared to neck complications. This stresses the need to realize the significance and seriousness of both components of this complex injury, in evaluation, management and postoperative care. Conclusion: Though technically demanding the reconstruction nail is an optimal alternative for management of concomitant fracture of femoral neck and shaft with low rates of complications and good results

Management of femoral shaft fractures in the transitional age group (8 to 14 years) remains controversial. The aim of this retrospective review of 50 consecutive patients was to evaluate the outcomes of various treatment methods. Fifty patients (39 boys and 11 girls) with femoral shaft fractures treated between January 1998 and March 2003 were followed-up for a mean period of 30 months (9 to 54), using clinical and radiological parameters as well as patient questionnaires. Motor vehicle accidents had caused the femoral fractures in 56%. The fractures were closed in 88% of the patients and there were associated injuries in 16%. Depending on the degree of comminution and fracture pattern, patients were treated in one of five ways: initial traction, manipulation under anaesthesia and spica immobilisation (16 patients), non-locking nail (18 patients), locking nail (10 patients), plate and screws (four patients) and external fixation (two patients). The mean time to union was 11 weeks (9 to 28). There was an 8% reoperation rate. Complications included limb length discrepancy in eight patients, malrotation in eight, angulation in 12, entry site pain in five, ectopic calcification in six, delayed union in three, knee stiffness in six and scar problems in four. The mean time away from school was 6.5 weeks (2 to 20). At the last follow-up 86% of patients were satisfied with the outcome. The use of non-locking nails is cost effective, and healing time with non-locking nails is no longer than with locking nails

Introduction and Aims: The combination of ipsilateral intertrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures is an uncommon pattern associated with high-energy trauma. This retrospective study used self-report measures to evaluate functional outcome of patients sustaining this fracture pattern and compared two common treatment methods. Method: Three patient-based outcome measures, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used to evaluate the functional outcome of twenty-one patients (13 male, mean 46.7 +/− 16.5 years) treated with a reconstruction nail (n=11) or with a sliding hip screw and retrograde nail (n=10). Results: Mechanisms of injury included motor vehicle accidents (66.7%) and falls from height (14.3%). SF-36 physical and mental component scores were less than Canadian norms, with mean values of 35.9 (p=0.0001) and 43.7 (p=0.02), respectively. There was a trend towards better functional outcome in the group treated with the sliding hip screw with retrograde nail despite this group sustaining more severe injuries as measured by ISS (p=0.004), number of days in hospital (p=0.027), and number of days in ICU (p=0.009). Conclusion: Functional outcome following treatment of ipsilateral intertrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures was reduced compared to Canadian norms. Despite having sustained more severe injuries, the sliding hip screw with retrograde nail group showed a trend towards better outcome as compared to the group treated with the reconstruction nail

The management of disabling osteoarthritis of the knee following ipsilateral femoral fracture malunion can be difficult. This study presents the results of seven such patients treated by femoral shaft osteotomy in the fracture region and with locked intramedullary nail fixation. Seven patients with malunited femoral shaft fractures presenting with knee symptoms between 1992 and 1999 were treated by femoral shaft osteotomy. The presenting knee symptoms and function were graded from 0–4. All patients underwent open femoral shaft osteotomy at the apex of the deformity and fixation was by locked intramedullary nailing. The patients were followed up until osteotomy union and reviewed clinically and radiologically with particular emphasis on knee symptoms and function. There were six males and one female. The mean age at presentation was 48 years and the mean time from fracture 28 years. (Range 13–37 years). The mean knee alignment angle preoperatively was 5 degrees varus (range 0–12). The mean time to osteotomy union was 28 months. The mean knee alignment angle postoperatively was 2 degrees valgus. (range 5 degrees varus-5 degrees valgus). Five of the seven patients reported excellent pain relief and functional improvement. One patient had serious vascular complication and now has a stiff but pain free knee. One patient who presented with very advanced OA has since undergone an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty after osteotomy union and nail removal. These patients presenting with severe disability at an age that would be too young for total knee replacement are difficult to manage. Five out seven patients in these series are symptomatically improved to return to their old occupation. The knee replacement has been delayed in these by a mean of five years. Their eventual knee replacement is likely to have been made less difficult as a result of alignment correction

Antegrade femoral nailing through the greater trochanter, using nails designed for piriformis entry, is associated with varus and iatrogenic comminution. Nails designed for greater trochanter insertion theoretically reduce these complications, but clinical outcomes comparing these to piriformis entry remain unknown. We compared femoral shaft fracture repair with a nail designed for trochanteric entry to an identical nail without a trochanteric bend inserted through the piriformis fossa. The trochanteric nail was easier to insert with decreased operative and fluoroscopy time. It resulted in equally high union rates, low complication rates, and functional results similar to conventional nailing through the piriformis fossa. Trochanteric antegrade nailing of the femur is thought to be advantageous over conventional antegrade nailing due to improved ease of insertion, but is unproven. This study compares results of femoral shaft fracture treatment using a nail designed specifically for trochanteric entry, Trigen TAN, to results using an identical nail without a trochanteric bend inserted through the piriformis fossa, Trigen FAN. A femoral nail specially designed for trochanteric insertion resulted in equally high union rates, equally low complication rates, and functional results similar to conventional antegrade femoral nailing through the piriformis fossa. As a result of increased ease of insertion, decreased operative time and decreased fluoroscopy time, the greater trochanter entry portal, coupled with an appropriately designed nail, represents a rational alternative for antegrade femoral nailing. Insertion of a specially designed femoral nail though the trochanter is faster, easier, and requires less fluoroscopy time than conventional antegrade nailing through the piriformis fossa. Overall, there was < 10° malalignment and no iatrogenic fracture comminution. The average operative time was 21% greater using the FAN nail than using the TAN nail, (p=.08). The average fluoroscopy time was 61% greater for the FAN group than for the TAN group, (p< .05). Trends in functional outcome (Lower Extremity Measure) were similar for both groups. One hundred and eight patients treated for a femoral shaft fracture were included in this study. Ninety-eight patients were treated with either a Trigen TAN nail (n=38) or Trigen FAN nail (n=53); seventeen patients with insufficient follow-up were excluded from analysis. Funding:Smith & Nephew, Memphis TN

Aims: Published series of traditional plate þxation of the femur note rates of up to 69% primary bone grafting, 13% infection, 15% nonunion, 68% late complications, and 25% secondary surgical procedures. A shift from traditional plating to submuscular plating has thus ensued. This series entails an all-inclusive review of the plate þxation experience by two orthopaedic trauma surgeons in a þve-year period at a university trauma center. Methods: Between June 1996 and May 2001, 40 acute diaphyseal femoral fractures in 37 patients were managed utilizing dynamic compression plating via traditional Ç biological È plating with a formal lateral incision (n = 19), or submuscular plate þxation utilizing only a proximal and distal incision (n = 21). A comparison of reduction quality, union rates, and infection rates between traditional plate þxation and submuscular þxation was performed. Results: Thirty-nine of forty femoral shaft fractures healed without need of a secondary procedure. One nonunion occurred in the ORIF group. There was one infection in each group. Two patients treated by submuscular þxation developed signiþcant heterotopic ossiþcation around the femoral shaft which signiþcantly impaired knee motion. There were 6 cases of malreduction in the submuscular group, and none in the ORIF Group. Conclusions: Although the theoretical advantages of submuscular plating are well established, its utilization in the femoral shaft did not have a clear clinical advantage. In addition, its use appears to be more technically challenging, and is associated with a high rate of sub-optimal reductions