Effects of exchange reamed intramedullary nai̇li̇ng for femoral shaft nonunions

Objecitve: Although there are multiple methods in aseptic femur shaft nonunions, the revision of nail which have variable succes rate is the most easily applied. In this study, the effect of exchange reamed intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft nonunions formed on patient who didn't heal in long-term follow-up performed in our clinic due to femur shaft fracture. Method: In this study, retrospectively between 2014 and 2021, due to shaft fractures 25 patients (male=20,female=5) who were operated with reamed and locked intramedullary nails were examined. In our clinic, after 6-16 months of follow-up of 25 patients who were operated due to femur shaft fracture decision was made by femur aseptic nonunion and were revisioned oversized with intramedullary nails. Patients who have been surgically decided after reaching and removing the nail with appropriate incisions from the old incision places without opening the fracture line, larger nail after reaming with reamers 1-2 mm (mean: 1.6 mm) placed intramedullary and locked from distal and proximal. After surgery all patients were mobilized by giving pressure. Results: In post-revision follow-ups, 20 (80%) patients had an average of 8.3 months (range: 4-14 months) healing has been observed. Record that there were no serious complications in the follow-up of the patients. Findings: Low complication rates, easy-to-apply surgical technique and satisfactory current treatment of nail revision in aseptic femur nonunions given the success results option. The success rate was found high in the nonunion types except atrophic nonunions. Keywords: Femur shaft fracture, aseptic nonunion, nail revision