Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: The disadvantages attributed to unreamed intramedullary nails in fractures of the femoral diaphysis include delayed fracture consolidation and fatigue of the material. The aim of our study is to describe the low incidence of these complications.
Materials and Methods: We present a series of 25 patients treated by means of 26 unreamed femoral nails (Synthes) and static locking in all cases and follow up until the time of bone healing (6 months). Mean age of the patients was 43 years (range 18–86 years). The most common cause of injury was automobile accident. All treated fractures were located in the diaphysis (32-A in 9 cases, 32-B in 15 cases, and 32-C in 2 cases) and were closed fractures, except in 4 cases (2 Gustillo type II and 2 of type IIIa). In only 6 patients was the femoral fracture the sole lesion. In the rest of the patients, it was accompanied by other skeletal (multiple fractures) or visceral (polytraumatic) lesions.
Results: We were able to achieve fracture consolidation within a period ranging from 2 to 6 months (mean 4.2 months). We did not experience any problems with material fatigue in any of the cases. In one case it was necessary to remove the static lock to allow for bone healing due to diastasis of the fracture site.
Discussion and Conclusions: Unreamed intramedullary nails allow for consolidation of fractures of the femoral diaphysis in a period of time of about 4 months, which we consider to be accurate. Furthermore, the absence of reaming is associated with a less severe local reaction, which we consider to be preferable.
The abstracts were prepared by Dr. E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán, Editor-in-Chief of the Spanish Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (Revista de Ortopedia y Traumatología). Correspondence should be sent to him at Sociedad Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología (SECOT), Calle Fernández de los Ríos, 108, 28015-Madrid, Spain
