title: Palliative intramedullary fixation of pathological fractures in the terminal period of tumoral disease.
abstract: Background. The aim of this work was the estimate usefulness of closed intramedullary fixation of pathological fractures in the terminal period of neoplasmic disease.<br /> Material and methods. 12 patients (8 - fractures of shaft of femur, 2 - pertrochanteric, 2 - fracture of tibial shaft) were fixated this way. In all patients, disseminated tumoral disease was found. In 10 patients closed intramedullary nailing with Küntscher nails was used (7 of them were dynamized), in 2 patients Ender nailing was used. Fixation stability, independent movement and subjective pain remission were estimated. Observations were carried out till death of patients.<br /> Results. Stable fixation was found in 11 patients, one patient required reoperation. All patients were weight bearing. Fractures of fixation material were not observed.<br /> Conclusions. Intramedullary fixation gives the possibility of movement, reduces pain and improves life comfort of terminally ill patients.
authors.affiliation: Oddział Chirurgiczny Szpitala im. F. Raszeji, Poznań
authors.forename: Błazej
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ciesielczyk