Publication:

Radiologic and functional outcome in patients with ipsilateral fractures of proximal femur and shaft treated by long proximal femoral nailing

Background Combination of ipsilateral proximal femur and shaft of femur fractures are one of the rare fractures which were previously managed with two different implants for each fracture. Various studies have shown that long proximal femoral nailing is as effective as two different implants in fracture healing.

Methods 25 cases in the age group of 20-80 years with ipsilateral proximal femur and shaft of femur fractures were enrolled from July 2014 to July 2017 and treated with long proximal femoral nailing. The cases were followed up at 6 weekly intervals and were assessed for their functional outcome using Friedman and Wyman criteria.

Results Proximal femoral fractures united at an average time of 3.96 ±1.3 months, whereas the mean time shaft of femur fractures took to unite was 5.67±3 months. The mean time patients took to start full weight bearing was 6.15±2.76 months. Functional assessment at 12 months revealed outcome as good in18 (75%), fair in 5 (20.8%) and poor in 1 (4.1%).

Conclusions Long proximal femoral nailing is a good option in managing patients with ipsilateral proximal and shaft of femur fractures.