J Korean Fract Soc.  2002 Jul;15(3):349-355. 10.12671/jksf.2002.15.3.349.

Metal Failure after Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Femur Mid-shaft Fractures

• Song KJ
• Jeon JY
• Yoon JH
• Park MS
• Hwang BY

• KMID: 1837990
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2002.15.3.349

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the causative factors of metal failure after internal fixation, and to suggest more rational treatment guideline that can prevent metal failure in the mid-shaft femur fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective review of 17 cases, who were treated with internal fixation for the femur mid-shaft fracture was analyzed. We evaluated the cause of injury, fracture type and site, associated injury, used instruments, duration to metal failure, and complications.
RESULTS
The metal failure occurred on average 14.8 months after internal fixation. As extrinsic factors, early exercise and weight-bearing in 7 cases, slip down during ambulation in 4 cases, improper physical therapy in 3 cases and unknown cause in 3 cases were related to metal failure. Most metal failure were occurred at the initial fracture site in 12 cases. Other metal failure site were empty holes in 1 case and proximal area of fracture site in 1 case, and screw breakage in 3 cases.
CONCLUSION
Accurate preoperative evaluation of fracture site, fracture type and proper selection of instrument, and precise surgical technique will be essential for the prevention of metal failure.

Keyword

Femur mid-shaft fracture; Internal fixation; Metal failure

MeSH Terms

Femur*
Retrospective Studies
Walking
Weight-Bearing