[Femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing by Küntscher's method. A review of results in 100 patients treated during a period of 10 years].

The records of 100 patients with 102 fractures of the femur treated with intramedullary nailing by Küntscher's method are reviewed. Eighty-eight of the patients were followed-up with interviews and clinical examination. Fifty-six of the patients had multiple traumata. Primary boney union was achieved within one year in 94 fractures (92%). At follow-up, the majority of the patients had no residual shortening of the affected extremity and no angulation at the fracture, and most of the patients had regained full movement of the knee and hip and good quadriceps function. In spite of this, 49% of the patients seen at follow-up had problems with their previous employment and/or performance in sports and daily activities. It is concluded, that some of the problems are probably due to the associated injuries and others are probably due to residual shortening of the affected extremity and restriction in knee movement.