The Effect of Augmentative Plating for the Treatment of Nonunion of Femoral Shaft Fractures after Intramedullary Nailing: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: Several treatment approaches are now considered to manage femoral nonunion following intramedullary (IM) nailing. Augmentation plating over a maintained IM nail was a successful treatment for femur fracture nonunion in recent years. We aimed to describe our experiences in evaluating the union of bone for these patients after plate augmentation with serial examinations and radiologic studies. Methods: This was a case study on 21 patients who had a nonunion or delayed union of the femoral shaft fracture (FSF) after IM nailing. After initial intervention, they were monitored for 20.4 months (range: 12-72 months). Results: A closed IM nail was used in 18 patients, while the other three patients were shown as non-IM nail cases with a dynamic hip screw (DHS) in one patient, an external fixator in one other patient, and plate fixation in another one that was planned for augmentation plating. After plating, appropriate union appeared in all patients. Fracture union took an average of 7 months ranging from 3 to 12 months. Conclusion: Augmentation plating for treating FSF nonunion with leaving the nail in place results in excellent and favorable clinical outcomes with the radiographic recovery of the nonunion site in all of the cases with no complication.