Use of controlled nail dynamization technique for femoral shaft hypertrophic nonunion.

BACKGROUND

Femoral nonunion after intramedullary nailing (IMN) of a diaphyseal long bone fracture is a severe complication that requires effective management. The IMN dynamization has been used to treat hypertrophic nonunions previously. However, routine nail dynamization has only a low success rate and the risk of limb shortening.

METHODS

Two patients with femoral shaft fracture hypertrophic nonunion at 4 or 5 months after intramedullary nailing were treated with the therapeutic paradigm named "controlled nail dynamization". In this paradigm, the interlocking nails are removed but the dynamic hole nails are retained. At the same time, four Poller screws were used to limit the movement of the intramedullary nail in the coronal and sagittal planes. The intramedullary nail can only generate compressive stress along the axial direction of the femoral shaft, thereby promoting fracture healing. So this technique was named "controlled nail dynamization".

RESULTS

Here, we describe two cases of delayed healing of the femoral diaphysis, which were successfully treated through controlled nail dynamization. Followed up for more than 12 months. Bone union was achieved in both patients, and there were no complications such as nonunion and internal fixation failure.

CONCLUSION

The controlled nail dynamization is feasible for safe and effective treatment for femoral shaft hypertrophic nonunion.