Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care 2003; 11: 85-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42305
Femur

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Marchetti Bundle Nail in the Treatment of Comminuted Femoral Fractures

G. Loupasis1 , J. Deros1 , A. Papaeliou1 , N. Zacharakis1 , Z. Melayes1 , P. Theodorakopoulos1 , A. Assimakopoulos1
  • 12nd Orthopaedic Department, “G. Gennimatas” Hospital, Athens, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 September 2003 (online)

Abstract

In a retrospective study, 66 patients with 67 comminuted femoral fractures were treated with Marchetti-Vincenzi intramedullary flexible bundle-type nail. Fifty-six of the 67 fractures (84 %) united within 12 to 22 weeks after the operation (mean, 16 weeks). Delayed union occurred in six fractures (9 %) and non-union in five fractures (7 %). Closed nailing was accomplished in only 75 % of the fractures. Other complications included malunion in three patients (4 %), femoral shortening in three (4 %), perforation of the distal femur by the pins in three (4 %), breakage of the distal pins in three (4 %), and deep infection in one patient. Distal locking mechanism problems were observed intraoperatively in seven patients (11 %). Because of the high complication rate in this series, we do not recommend the use of this type of nail for the treatment of comminuted femoral shaft fractures.

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G. LoupasisM. D. 

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