Antegrade Versus Retrograde Nailing for The Management of Distal Half of Femur Fractures

Distal femur fractures include fractures of the supracondylar and intercondylar region of the distal femur which are relatively common injuries. To avoid the high morbidity and mortality correlating with this fracture, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to compare between antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nailing in the treatment of distal half of femur fractures regarding functional outcome, union rate and complications. This prospective clinical trial was carried in Orthopedic Department, at Al-Zahraa University hospital on 20 patients with femoral distal half fractures. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A: 10 patients will be treated by antegrade femoral intramedullary nail, Group B: 10 patients will be treated by retrograde femoral intramedullary nail. There was no statistically significant difference in union between the 2 groups. The union rate was 70 % in antegrade group and 60% in retrograde group. There were 3 patients underwent retrograde group had delayed union fracture. The operation time was longer in antegrade nailing than retrograde nailing. The antegrade nailing was better than retrograde nailing regarding functional outcome in distal half of femur fractures.