J Korean Fract Soc.  1995 Jan;8(1):1-12.

Complications in the Use of Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing for the Femoral Fractures

• Hwang SK
• Han JB

Abstract

A retrospective review was undertaken in 31 patient with femoral fracture which had complication after undergoing the closed reduction and internal fixation using interlocking intramedullay nail. The technical complexity associated with the locking nail introduces a new set of complications. This article discusses these problems and suggests means to avoid certain difficulties. The results were as follws; 1 Intraoperative complications were new fracture near the original fracture site(3 cases), Iatrogenic femur neck fracture(1 case), pudendal nerve neuropraxia(1 case). 2. Postoperative complications were delayed union(13 cases), limb shortening(4 cases), nonunion(3 cases), infection(3 cases), distal screw breakage(3 cases), nail breakage(1 case), proximal screw breakage(1 case), and angulation(1 case). 3. At final follow up, the major complications were 11 cases(13.4%) but, bone union was achived in all cases except 3 case, union rate was 96.4%. 4. Highly developed operative technique and postoperative management were necessary to diminish complications.

Keyword

Femoral Fractures; Intramedullary nailing; interlocking; Complication

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Femoral Fractures*
Femur Neck
Follow-Up Studies
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary*
Humans
Intraoperative Complications
Postoperative Complications
Pudendal Nerve
Retrospective Studies