Treatment of ununited femoral shaft fractures associated with locked nail breakage: Comparison between closed and open revision techniques

C. C. Wu*, Chun-Hsiung Shih, Wen-Jer Chen, C. L. Tai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate and compare closed and open revision techniques in the treatment of ununited femoral shaft fractures associated with locked nail breakage. Design: Retrospective. Setting: University hospital. Methods: Ununited femoral shaft fractures associated with locked nail breakage were treated with either closed or open revision (nine or eighteen cases, respectively). The closed technique entailed closed removal of the broken nail and reinsertion of a stable intramedullary nail after reaming the marrow cavity. The open technique included open removal of the broken nail, reinsertion of a stable intramedullary nail or plate, and cancellous bone graft supplementation. Union rate, union period, perioperative course, and complications were compared. Results: Eight closed and fifteen open technique cases were followed for at least one year (median two years). Cases treated with the closed technique had a union rate of 100 percent, a union period of 4.4 ± 0.9 months, an operating time of 1.5 ± 0.4 hours, no blood transfusion, and no complications. Open technique cases demonstrated a union rate of 100 percent, a union period of 5.7 ± 1.5 months (p = 0.033), an operating time of 2.4 ± 0.4 hours (p < 0.001), blood transfusion of 1,000 ± 500 milliliters (p < 0.001), and no complications. Conclusions: We recommend the closed revision technique because its union period and operating time are shorter, and it does not require a blood transfusion. Because there is no local wound dissection, infection rates should also be lower. However, the procedure is technically demanding. If it cannot be completed successfully, using the open technique can still achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)494-500
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Trauma
Volume13
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 09 1999

Keywords

  • Closed revision technique
  • Femoral shaft fracture
  • Locked nail breakage
  • Open revision technique

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