Nonisthmal femoral shaft nonunion as a risk factor for exchange nailing failure

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although nail exchange with a larger diameter nail after additional reaming is typically considered the gold standard for failed femoral nailing, some reports question the role of exchange nailing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors affecting the outcome of exchange nailing for femoral shaft nonunion after initial nailing.

METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients treated with exchange nailing between November 1996 and March 2010 for femoral shaft nonunion that was initially managed with an intramedullary nailing were retrospectively reviewed. Possible risk factors and outcome (bony union) of exchange nailing were evaluated.

RESULTS: Of the 41 femoral shaft nonunions treated with exchange nailing, 9 (22%) failed to achieve bony union. The union rate for isthmal nonunions was 87% (27 of 31 cases) and for nonisthmal nonunions was 50% (5 of 10 cases). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the anatomic site (isthmal vs. nonisthmal) was a significant risk factor for exchange nailing failure (univariate, p = 0.021; multivariate, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS: Although exchange nailing is an excellent choice for aseptic isthmal femoral shaft nonunion occurring after the initial nailing, other treatment options such as augmentative plating should be considered for nonisthmal femoral shaft nonunions.