Short-term outcome of patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fracture treated with locking intramedullary sign nail at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI)

Abstract

Comminuted femoral shaft fractures are complex fracture to treat because of increased risk of limb length discrepancies and malrotation deformities. Currently the interlocking intramedullary nail is recommended treatment for comminuted femoral shaft fractures by many international centers. The SIGN nail program commenced at MOI in October 2008. In this program, unstable comminuted femoral shaft fractures are treated by using interlocking intramedullary SIGN nail. Although anecdotal experience has been positive, the outcome of treatment has not been scientifically evaluated Objectives :We evaluated the short-term outcome of patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fracture treated with locking intramedullary nail at MOI-2011 Methodology: A cohort study was done on adult patients with closed comminuted femoral shaft fractures admitted at MOI and being treated by interlocking intramedullary SIGN nail. Ninety one patients met our study inclusion criteria but 11 were lost followup, so we reviewed 80 patients who completed follow ups. A researcher used a structured questionnaire to interview the participants. These patients were operated by either antegrade or retrograde SIGN nail. Immediately post operatively control radiographs, the lowerlimb length and malrotation deformity were assessed. Then each patient was followed up for a minimum of 18 weeks post operatively. In followup visits, state of the wound, limb length discrepancy, malrotation deformity, range of motion of the knee joint and callus formation were assessed. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.