title: Clinical evaluation of a true percutaneous technique for antegrade femoral nailing.
abstract: From July 1997 to March 2001, 209 consecutive patients with 215 femoral shaft fractures amenable to antegrade femoral nailing were enrolled. A true percutaneous insertion technique was performed using a stab wound incision. One hundred ninety-seven (92%) fractures achieved primary union with anatomic or near anatomic alignment. Eighteen (8%) healing problems and two deep infections (1%) responded to repeat interventions. There was one iatrogenic complication related to an anterior starting point. External blood loss was minimal (generally <100 cc). Incisions averaged 16 mm and healed uneventfully. At one-year follow-up only 10% of patients had hip abductor pain. The percutaneous technique appears to be a safe and effective alternative to the standard technique. Hip pain at one year appears decreased compared to reports using a traditional approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Elizabeth's Health System, Youngstown, OH 44501, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Ziran
authors.forename: Wade R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Zlotolow
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manion
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grosskreuz
authors.forename: Juan F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Agudelo
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome