Open Kuntscher nailing forfracture shaft of femur

Interlocking intramedullary nails is now the standard in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures however cost, use of traction table and image intensifier precludes itscommon use in developing countries, mak- ing open Kuntscher nailing a common procedure. This study was done to evaluate the outcome of Kuntscher nailing with regard to union, infection, limb length and range of motion. We retrospectively reviewed 30 pa- tients with Fracture shaft of femur treated with openKuntscher nailing. Allfractures were simpletransverse, oblique.Patients were discharged from the hospital after 14 days of surgery. Allfractureshealed within 16-24 weeks and the union ratewas 100%. 2 patient developed superficialwound infection. 2 had limb shortening of 1- 2centimetres and range of motion at the knee from 100 to 135 degrees at minimum 12months follow up.There were no rotationaldeformities. 2 patients hadlimited knee flexion (less than 30).1 patient had bend nail because of early mobilisation It was concluded that open Kuntscher nailing for fracture shaft femur is still a relevant surgery in the developing worlds with good functional and clinical results in the following situations: in hospi- tals with no traction table and image intensifier, in irreducible fractures and in female patients with pregnancy.