Open interlocking nailing of the fracture of the shaft of femur

Abstract

Closed Interlocking intramedullary nails is now the standard in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures however use of traction table and image intensifier precludes its common use in developing countries. This study was done to evaluate the outcome of open interlocking nailing under heading of fracture union, early mobilisation and early functional return of the limb and complication. We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients with Fracture shaft of femur treated with open interlocking nailing. All fractures were simple transverse, short oblique. Serial follow up assessment was done for radiological and clinical union. Major complications encountered were infection, screws bend and delayed union. It was concluded that open interlocking nailing is a safe procedure for femoral shaft fractures, in the developing worlds with good functional and clinical results in the following situations: in hospitals with no traction table and image intensifier, in irreducible fractures and in female patients with pregnancy.