INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING;

Gunshot comminuted femur fractures, experience in a tertiary care hospital at Karachi.

Abstract

Objective: Gunshot comminuted fractures of femoral shaft are complicated fractures to treat in orthopedic practice,
resulting in prolonged morbidity and extensive disability. Intramedullary interlocking nail is a well-established operative procedure for the
management of this entity. The objective of this study is to find out the healing of gunshot comminuted fracture of shaft of femur treated by
interlocking nails. Methodology: This study was conducted at Civil Hospital Karachi during July 2009 to December 2009.Forty three
patients sustaining gunshot comminuted fracture of shaft of femur were selected. All patients then underwent fracture stabilization by
locking intramedullary nail. The main outcome measure was fracture healing (i.e. callus formation) on X-ray at six months of follow-up.
The SPSS version 13 was applied to the data. Results: Majority of the patients (46.5%) were between 18-30 years of age group with mean
age of 36.05(+12.53) years. Males were affected more than females with male to female ratio being 4.3:1. Healing (i.e. callus formation)
was achieved in 39(90.7%) patients radiographically at the end of six-months. Conclusions: Intramedullary interlocking nail is safe and
effective procedure in the management of gunshot comminuted fractures of femur shaft as it is associated with good healing.