Evaluation of short term complications following use of retrograde intramedullary femoral interlocking nail for fractures of distal femur

Abstract

Background: Supracondylar fractures of femur constitute 6-7% of all femoral fractures. In elderly patients, they are invariably low-energy fractures predisposed by osteoporosis. Aim of this article is to assess the complications of retrograde intramedullary femoral interlocking nail (RIFIN). Materials and methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary health care centre, cases were selected from November 2017 to December 2018. This prospective study was performed on 37 patients with supracondylar femoral fractures (AO type A and C). Results: Complications in our study included knee stiffness in 8 patients, anterior knee pain in 6 patients, shortening (1-2cm) in 3 patients, 3 patients had implant failure due to early weight bearing ambulation (one patient had distal screw back-out, one patient distal screw breakage and one patient had nail breakage), 2 patients had non-union (in which one patient had infected non-union), one patient had periimplant fracture and one patient had protruding nail. Conclusion: RIFIN is mostly limited for use in extra-articular distal femoral fractures. Although it has a high incidence of complications, it requires a greater amount of attention to the operative technique and patient selection in order to prevent these complications.

Knee Pain After Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing with Surgical Implant Generation Network of Femur Shaft Fractures at Public Hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia: Analysis of 6-Months Follow-Up Results

“… 9 Various studies have reported many complications following intramedullary nailings like knee stiffness, implant failure, no-union, infection and protruding nails. 10 One of the most common complications identified secondary to intramedullary nailing of the femur was chronic knee pain. 11 , 12 This may significantly hinder the patient’s ability to do his job and other everyday or recreational activities.…”

“… 13 Its prevalence has been observed to reach 16.1%. 10 Several studies have indicated a significant occurrence of knee pain with estimates ranging from 20% to 86% and even 17% of the patients may experience moderate-to-severe pain years after surgery. 14 , 15 Brewster, 16 in his systematic review, stressed that 40–53% of the individuals who had retrograde intramedullary nailing may experience knee discomfort.…”