Is the compressive nail method capable of accelerating bone union in patients with femoral distal diaphysis fracture?

This study was conducted to evaluate clinically and radiologically the patients for whom compressive and non-compressive intramedullary nails were applied and to analyse the compression effectiveness in adult femur distal diaphysis fractures. The compressive locked nails shortened the union period in the distal diaphysis fractures, and it was found to be an effective method, as the pseudoarthrosis rate was lower. A retrospective study was conducted among 59 patients for whom the compressive and non-compressive IMNs were applied to treat femur distal diaphysis fractures. Thirty-one for whom the non-compressive IMN was applied were categorised as group I, and 28 for whom the compressive nail was applied were categorised as group II. Finite element analysis was performed using 1.5mm compression, and a mean stress value of 34.67Mpa. The mean values of union period were calculated as 13.6±2.4 weeks (range: 11–20 months) and functional score was 79.2, respectively in group I, and they were evaluated as a good grade. In group II, the respective mean values of union period were 11.5±2.6 weeks (range: 10–17 months) and functional score was 86, and they were evaluated as excellent. Radiological and functional scores were determined to be better with interlocking compressive nails and shortened the fracture union period in the follow-up in adult femur distal diaphysis fractures. III; retrospective cohort study.