Retrograde bridging nailing of periprosthetic femoral fractures

SummaryA retrograde femoral nail was designed to slide over the tip of the femoral stem. Eighteen patients (4 ♂, 14 ♀) were treated with this retrograde nail between 1995 and 2003. The mean age was 81.4 years (range 61–96) with a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 4–61 months). Eight patients suffered from severe comorbidity. Mean surgical time was 91 min. Fourteen patients regained their preoperative functional level. Six patients died within the first post-operative year of natural causes. Their knee- and hip-function were reasonable considering the age group and co-morbidity. One revision was required and one patient had a protruding nail. In all patients radiological union of the fracture was seen between 4 and 12 months after surgery. Retrograde bridging nailing of the periprosthetic fractured femur is a therapeutic option in geriatric or impaired patients and can serve as a definitive implant.