Closed Locked Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures in the Elderly

A review was performed of all patients over the age of 60 years who were treated with a locked intramedullary nail for a femoral shaft fracture. There were 15 patients with 16 femoral shaft fractures. Four patients died perioperatively. Of the surviving 11 patients with 12 fractures, union occurred in 100 percent. Knee range of motion was greater than 100 degrees in 11 of the 12 knees. Nine of the 11 patients returned to their preoperative level of ambulation. Intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in patients over the age of 60 years is an effective method of treatment. The mortality rate in elderly patients who sustain this injury is comparable to that seen after a femoral neck fracture in this age group.