Closed medullary nailing for fractured shaft of the femur--a comparison between the Küntscher and the AO techniques.

ABSTRACT

A retrospective review was made of 97 cases of fractured shaft of the femur treated with closed medullary nailing. A comparison was made between the Küntscher and the AO techniques with respect to union of the fracture, rehabilitation, complication and functional results. Patients treated with AO nails enjoyed more rapid recovery 88 per cent of the fractures united in 12 weeks, 62 per cent walked with full weight bearing in 8 weeks and 78 per cent returned to work within 6 months. However, the functional results in both groups were comparable. The special technical considerations and complications in each group are discussed.