A dilemma for management of third fragment of shaft femur fracture with closed intramedullary nailing: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Aim of this study was to report the union rate of fracture shaft femur with third fragments after closed intramedullary nailing.Methods: Sixty patients were analyzed retrospectively, AO/ASIF classification was done. Fractures were treated with closed intramedullary nail. Followed up in OPD until fracture united.Results: Mean union time was 30 weeks which is longer than average time period for union of shaft femur fracture. There were two cases of non-union.Conclusion: Use of closed intramedullary nail technique for treatment of shaft femur fracture with third fragments has predictable union rate and union of bone is related to the displacement of third fragments and irrespective of size of fragment.