Retrograde interlocked intramedullary nailing of supracondylar distal femur fractures in an average 76-year-old patient population.

Abstract

Twenty-seven fractures of the distal femur in 27 adult patients were treated with retrograde, interlocked, intramedullary nails after intercondylar fracture extension had been reduced and treated with lag screws. Postoperatively, early mobilization exercises began immediately, but weight bearing was not allowed until clinical union was achieved, after which full weight bearing was permitted. Retrograde, interlocked, intramedullary nailing provides an excellent technique to establish union of supracondylar and distal femoral shaft fractures with a low complication rate and opportunity to regain knee motion in the mentally competent, motivated patient.