Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing for the Femoral Shaft Fractures

The intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures, particularly, fractures of the shaft of femur in adults, is a satisfactory technique as it fulfills the objectives of fracture management. Malunion is, however, a significant problem with intramedullary nailing of the Kuntscher type, the major problem is malrotation which occurs either at the time of the operation or as a result of rotatory instability. Another from of malunion that occurs is shortening of the fracture site especially in the presence of comminution. Klemm & Schellmann(1972), and King(1980) has shown, however, by using interlocking cross-pinning technique that stable fixation can be achieved with no significant shortening and this development has extended the indications of intramedullary nailing. Four cases of femoral shaft fractures were treated by interlocking intramedullary nailing and good results were obtained at Ewha Womans University Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Since February, 1985.