The antegrade angle-stable locking intramedullary nail for type-C distal femoral fractures: a thirty four?case experience

摘要

Abstract Introduction This is a retrospective study that provides initial experience and verifies the effectiveness of the newly-designed antegrade interlocking angle-stable intramedullary nail (IAIN) combined with half-threaded cancellous screws in the management of type-C (AO/OTA classification) distal femoral fractures. Methods During a period of 30?months, 34 patients (mean age 43.1?years) with type-C (AO/OTA classification) fractures of the distal femur were treated with IAIN and half-threaded cancellous screws were reviewed. Peri-operative and post-operative parameters were analyzed. Results All of the fractures healed in a mean time of 12.6?weeks with no incidences of malunion, nonunion or infection. No secondary failure of fixation occurred. Partial weight bearing was initiated in an average of 7.4?weeks post-operatively, with full weight bearing initiated in 13.8?weeks. All of the patients, except for one, gained full extension. The mean flexion of the knee joint was 110.1°, while the mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was 85.2. Conclusion The IAIN and half-threaded cancellous screws provided a reliable fixation that facilitated uncomplicated outcomes and uneventful early mobilization in treating type-C fractures of the distal femur.