Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures in Young Adults: Predictors of Complications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA UK

10.4103/atr.atr_11_17

Abstract

Background: Intramedullary nailing is an accepted method of management for femoral diaphyseal fractures. There are, however, risks associated
with surgery such as nonunion, infection, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objectives: Our objective was to identify independent
predictors of complications following intramedullary nailing of femoral diaphyseal fractures in young adults. Patients and Methods: During
a 3‑year period, 59 patients (aged 13–55 years) underwent intramedullary nailing for high energy femoral diaphyseal fracture. These patients
were identified from a radiographic database. Patient demographics, socioeconomic status, smoking status, alcohol intake, diagnosis of
diabetes, intravenous drug use, fracture comminution, and if it was open were recorded retrospectively. Complications assessed were nonunion,
deep infection, VTE, amputation, and revision of the nail. Results: Univariate analysis identified that socioeconomic status, excess alcohol
intake, intravenous drug use, fracture comminution, and an open fracture were predictors of complications. Logistic regression analysis
identified that intravenous drug use (P = 0.036) and open fractures (P = 0.05) were significant independent predictors of nonunion. There
was a trend toward significance (P = 0.07) for excess alcohol intake as a predictor of deep infection. Fracture comminution (P = 0.015)
was an independent predictor of VTE. Logistic regression analysis failed to identify any significant independent predictors of amputation
or revision after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions: Intravenous drug use, open fractures, and fracture comminution are
independent predictors of nonunion and/or VTE. These patient factors could be used to identify those at risk of nonunion and VTE who may
benefit from early preventative measures.

Keywords

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 May 2017
  • Accept Date: 15 July 2017

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