Abstract

• The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of augmentative plate fixation for the femoral nonunion after intramedullary nailing. We reviewed eleven femoral nonunion after intramedullary nailing, which were treated with augmentative plate internal fixation. All cases were initially managed with interlocking intramedullary nailing. Five were hypervascular and six were avascular. Leaving the intramedullay nail in situ, an augmentative plate fixation was applied to the fracture site to counter the rotational instability. A simultaneous bone grafting was performed in six avascular nonunion to repair the bony defect. The union time was 8.2 months in average( 7.8 months in hypervascular and 8.5 months in avascular). In conclusion, augmentative plating leaving the intramedullary nail in situ is an useful alternative for the treatment of femoral nonunion after intramedullary nailing. The technique is simple and does not require any special instruments. It facilitates an early weight bearing and gives a quick recovery from nonunion.
• Key words: Femur, Nonunion, Intramedullary nailing, Augmentative plating

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• The Comparison of LC-DCP versus LCP Fixation in the Plate Augmentation for the Nonunion of Femur Shaft Fractures after Intramedullary Nail Fixation
  Se Dong Kim, Oog Jin Sohn, Byung Hoon Kwack
  Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(2): 117.     CrossRef