RESUMO
A retrospective study was conducted on 75 consecutive femoral midshaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing using the solid-diamond-shape Hansen-Street nail with an open technique. The average age of patients was 32.5 years. Road accidents accounted for 43 cases. The average operative time was 40 minutes. There were two systemic complications. No infection occurred. Fifty-six cases could be gathered for this study, with an average follow-up of 5 years; 19 were followed for at least 6 months. At 4 months, all the fractures were united except one. The average time to sound bony union was 4 months. There was no residual deformity in varus-valgus or in the sagittal plane. Malrotation was rare and did not exceed 5 degrees. Shortening of 2 cm was found in 3 patients where the fracture was comminuted. All followed patients returned to regular daily function. The use of the Hansen-Street nail in an open procedure is an accurate method for anatomic reduction. As opposed to closed techniques, the procedure proved in our hands to be simple and quick, without undue exposure to radiation of the surgical team, and without such other complications as nerve complications due to traction. The procedure with this device is indicated for mid-third fractures of the femoral shaft only.