Plate Augmentation for Nonunio‎n of Femoral Shaft Fractures

Femoral nonunio‎n is an important complication, which can occur after intramedullary nailing and it requires surgical intervention. Plate augmentation over intramedullary nail is emerging as an acceptable option with satisfactory results for femoral nonunio‎n. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine whether plate augmentation over retained intramedullary nail is an effective treatment for nonunio‎n of femoral shaft fracture. Methods: Overall, 35 cases of femoral nonunio‎n, initially treated with intramedullary nailing, were managed with plating augmentation. Patients with oligotrophic or atrophic nonunio‎n also received iliac cancellous auto graft. The outcome was evaluated by the rate and duration of unio‎n and complications were recorded. Results: All patients achieved bony unio‎n during an average time of 21 weeks (3.94) and no unio‎n occurred later than 35 weeks. In plain radiography, evidence of callus formationwasseen atmeantime of 10 weeks. Therewasnostatistically significant difference in unio‎n time among different types of nonunio‎n (P: 0.466) while a significant difference was noticed in the time for callus formation (P < 001). Also, no complications were observed. Conclusions: Plating augmentation is an effective and safe treatment option for nonunio‎n of femoral shaft fractures.