Computerized navigation for length and rotation control in femoral fractures: a preliminary clinical study

Operative treatment of femoral fractures yields a predictably high union rate, but residual malrotation and leg length discrepancy remain a clinically significant problem. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of using computerized navigation in controlling the length and rotation in femoral fracture surgery.

Prospective consecutive case series of 16 skeletally mature patients with femoral fractures undergoing surgical fixation; 14 were fixed with intramedullary nails and 2 with plates.

An Academic Level I trauma center.

Computerized navigation was used to determine the length and rotation of the operated extremity as compared with the intact healthy contralateral side.

All patients underwent postoperative computed tomography scanogram for determining the length and rotation.

All fractures healed. Mean rotational difference between the treated and nontreated sides was 3.45 degrees (range, 0-7.7 degrees). Mean length difference between the 2 extremities as calculated by the computed tomography scan was 5.83 mm (range, 0-13 mm). Additional operative time required for computerized navigation was measured in 2 of the cases and totaled ∼30-35 min/case.

Computerized navigation was accurate and precise at restoring femoral length and rotation during femoral fracture fixation when the intact contralateral femur was used for reference. Further, large-scale randomized studies are required. Additionally, improvements aimed at decreasing operative time and improving user interface of these systems are recommended.

Therapeutic level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.