Results of a Systematic Approach to Exchange Nailing for the Treatment of Aseptic Femoral Nonunions

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of a systematic approach to exchange nailing for the treatment of aseptic femoral nonunions previously treated with an intramedullary nail. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifty aseptic femoral nonunions in 49 patients who presented with an intramedullary nail in situ an average of 25 months after the initial fracture nailing were evaluated. INTERVENTION: Our systematic approach includes inserting an exchange nail at least 2 mm larger in diameter than the in situ nail, using a different manufacturer's nail, static interlocking, correction of any metabolic and endocrine abnormalities, and secondary nail dynamization in cases showing slow progression toward healing. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS: The outcome measures were radiographic and clinical evidence of nonunion healing and time to union. RESULTS: All 50 femoral nonunions (100%) healed after this systematic approach to exchange nailing. The average time to achieve union was 7 months (range, 3-26 months). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of this systematic approach of exchange nailing for the treatment of aseptic femoral nonunions resulted in a 100% healing rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.