tures with Retrograde Femoral Nail

Abstract

          Distal femoral fractures are complex musculoskeletal injuries with therapeutic challenge due to high rate of complications. Classic implants like dynamic condylar screw or condylar blade plate require large incisions and can generate delayed union, nonunion sites, post-operative infection and knee stiffness. To avoid problem, retrograde femoral nailing is applied to treat distal femoral fractures. This retrospective study was performed in patients underwent retrograde femoral nailing at Yasothon Hospital in 2008-2010. A total of 32 patients (18 males, 14 females; mean age 53 years, ranging from 25-73 years) had average time to follow up of 16 months (9.4-24.2 months). It was found that the operative time was 70 minutes in average (50-110 minutes), the mean time of fracture healing was 14.4 weeks (12-30 weeks). Thirty- one patients had fracture healing at the first operation (96.88%). Of all post-operative patients, 29 (90.64%) had normal bone alignment, 23 (71.88 %) had normal motion range of knee joints (135o), and none had complications. Retrograde femoral nailing yielded good results, fast fracture healing, and low rate of complications. It is effective treatment for distal femoral fracture, especially A1, A2, A3 and C1, C2 according to AO/OTA classification.