Which of the three different intramedullary nail designs is superior in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study a retrospective comparison was the clinical and radiological results results of patients with femoral shaft fracture made oftreated with three different types of intramedullary nail (IMN). 
 Material and Method: The study included 54 patients operated on in our clinic because of femoral shaft fracture. The records were retrospectively examined of 18 patients applied with locked IMN (LIMN), 17 with blade expandable IMN (BEIMN), and 19 with talon distalfix IMN (TDIMN). The groups were compared statistically in respect of age, gender, BMI, affected side, operating time (mins), radiation exposure (number of shots), time to union (weeks), visual analog scale (VAS) score, soft tissue problems associated with implant irritation, amount of shortening (mm), coronal, sagittal and torsional angulation (degrees).
 Results: The mean VAS score of the TDIMN group was determined to be statistically significantly higher than that of the LIMN and BEIMN groups (p=0.008, p=0.045). The operating times were similar in the BEIN and TDIMN groups (p=0.768) and significantly shorter than in the LIMN group (p