Outcome of Fracture Distal Femur Treated with Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing

Objective: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of the distal femur fracture treated with a retrograde locking nail.

Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted at the Orthopedic department Dibba Hospital Fujairah, United Arab Emirates for one-year duration from March 2019 to March 2020. All patients who met the inclusion criteria were treated with femoral retrograde nailing technique. The postoperative functional score was assessed according to Schatzker and Lambert criteria, which were rated excellent, good, and poor. Radiological union was assessed by X-rays.

Results: There were 103 patients with a mean age of 35.20 ± 10.66 (range, 20 to 50 years). There were 78 men (75.72%) and 25 women (24.27%). Most of the fractures (68.9%, n = 71) were caused by car accidents. Fracture of the right side occurred in 70 (67.96%) patients, and the left side fracture in 33 (32.03%) patients. Excellent results were obtained in 75 (72.81%) patients and good results were obtained in 28 patients (28.20%). The nonunion has been documented in one patient.

Conclusion: Excellent and good functional and radiological results were obtained in patients with distal femur treated with retrograde locking nails. For some distal femoral fractures, we recommend the use of a retrograde locking nail.