Management of Ipsilateral Fractures of Proximal Femur and the Shaft of Femur With Long Proximal Femoral Nail

Introduction: Ipsilateral proximal femoral fractures (fracture neck / intertrochanteric) with shaft fractures are uncommon injuries generally occurring in young patients who sustain high energy trauma. Various treatment options are available having their own merits and demerits. We studied the outcome of long proximal femoral nailing in ipsilateral fractures of proximal femur and shaft of femur. Material and methods: The study involved 09 patients with ipsilateral fractures of the proximal femur and shaft of femur. All patients were male with an average age of 38 years. All of the fractures resulted from high-energy trauma except one with intertrochanteric fracture in the oldest patient of the study. The fracture neck of femur was initially missed in one case and was diagnosed on table. All fractures were fixed by a long proximal femoral nail. Patients were followed up for an average period of 2 years (l-3yrs). Results: Patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Union was achieved in all patients. The average time for union of the proximal femur fracture was 4. 5months (4-6 months) and shaft of femur was 6 months (4-7months). Varus malunion due to collapse of fracture neck of femur was noted in one patient. Conclusion: Long proximal femoral nailing in ipsilateral proximal and shaft of femur is a reliable method with fewer complications.