This two-part study tests whether immediate full weight-bearing is safe after statically locked intramedullary nailing of comminuted femoral shaft fractures. Part I biomechanically compares fatigue strength of eleven nail-and-screw constructs using cyclic axial loading of simulated segmental defects. Part II prospectively evaluates clinical outcomes in 35 patients managed with immediate weight-bearing using the highest-performing construct.
When treating comminuted femoral shaft fractures with statically locked nails, use two distal locking screws rather than one, and consider immediate weight-bearing protocols to accelerate patient recovery and mobilization.
This two-part study tests whether immediate full weight-bearing is safe after statically locked intramedullary nailing of comminuted femoral shaft fractures. Part I biomechanically compares fatigue strength of eleven nail-and-screw constructs using cyclic axial loading of simulated segmental defects. Part II prospectively evaluates clinical outcomes in 35 patients managed with immediate weight-bearing using the highest-performing construct.
When treating comminuted femoral shaft fractures with statically locked nails, use two distal locking screws rather than one, and consider immediate weight-bearing protocols to accelerate patient recovery and mobilization.