title: Flexible intramedullary nailing for distal femoral fractures in patients with myopathies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Distal femoral fractures are quite common in nonambulating patients with myopathies, as they present marked osteoporosis. The deterioration of preexisting knee flexion contracture is a known problem, as these fractures are usually angulated posteriorly. The goals of treatment are to reduce immobilization and bed rest to a minimum, prevent function loss, and prevent refracture. The aim of our work was to investigate if these goals can be achieved by an operative treatment with closed reduction and flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN).
  
  
  METHODS
  Six distal femoral fractures in four nonambulating patients with myopathies (three Duchenne muscular dystrophy and one nemaline myopathy) were treated with FIN between 2005 and 2011. Patient charts and radiographs were reviewed to determine if intra- or postoperative complications occurred and to detect the interval to wheelchair mobilization and hospital discharge. Pre- and postoperative knee flexion contracture was noted from the patient charts of our reeducation unit, where patients were already known preoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wheelchair mobilization without further immobilization after an interval of 2-3 days was possible. No aggravation of knee flexion contracture was detected in our patient series. No complications associated to the operative treatment itself and no refractures in the follow up occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience showed that FIN is a low invasive and sufficiently stable osteosynthesis in such fractures. Left in place, nails will reinforce mechanical stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, CHU Brabois Hôpital d'Enfants, Chirurgie Infantile A, Rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France ; Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital of Zürich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Hanspeter
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: André
authors.forename: Francine
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rumeau
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Journeau
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haumont
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lascombes
keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Femoral fracture; Flexible intramedullary nailing; Knee flexion contracture; Myopathy