Intercondylar fibrotic lesion after retrograde intramedullary nailing of a femoral shaft fracture: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a largely successful technique for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures, although reports of knee pain after this procedure are not uncommon. Here we describe the case of a patient who developed a polyp-like fibrotic lesion of the intercondylar notch nearly 2 years after retrograde intramedullary nailing of a femoral shaft fracture as discovered by arthroscopic evaluation. This lesion caused pain and compromised our patient's function; however, both of these measures were subjectively improved after the debridement of the lesion. This case emphasizes the necessity of long-term follow-up and further investigation into the cause and significance of postoperative knee pain in hopes of continuing to improve patient outcomes.