Mechanical complications associated with the use of the unreamed AO femoral intramedullary nail with spiral blade: first experiences with thirty-five consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the unreamed femoral nail with spiral blade (UFN-SB) in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of twenty-eight fractures. Sixteen patients had metastatic disease.

SETTING

Academic teaching hospital.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and radiographic examination.

RESULTS

Five mechanical complications were observed in four patients. In one patient with a metastastic fracture, we noted a breakage of the SB twice. In patients with traumatic subtrochanteric fracture, migration of the SB was observed three times, needing reintervention twice.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this implant is useful in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures, it is our contention that the problem of subtrochanteric fracture fixation is not solved with this implant, especially in elderly osteoporotic patients who require early weight bearing.