Fixing a Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture with a Humerus Nail

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Subtrochanteric femur fractures present unique challenges in treatment, particularly in patients with congenital conditions.
• Standard intramedullary nailing may be contraindicated due to anatomical variations and compromised soft tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the successful management of a subtrochanteric femur fracture in a paraplegic adolescent using an unconventional implant.
• To evaluate the efficacy of utilizing a humerus implant for femoral fracture fixation in complex cases.

Main Methods:

• A 17-year-old paraplegic patient with a subtrochanteric femur fracture was treated.
• Due to anatomical constraints and compromised soft tissues, a standard femoral intramedullary implant was unsuitable.
• An intramedullary implant designed for the humerus was adapted and used for osteosynthesis.

Main Results:

• Satisfactory osteosynthesis was achieved despite the use of a non-standard implant.
• The patient experienced varus deformity, shortening, and rotational error, which were managed.
• The adapted humerus implant provided a viable salvage option for a complex femoral fracture.

Conclusions:

• Unconventional implant selection, such as using a humerus implant for femur fractures, can be a successful salvage procedure in complex orthopedic cases.
• Careful adaptation and surgical technique are crucial for achieving satisfactory outcomes in challenging fracture management.
• This case highlights the adaptability of orthopedic implants in addressing unique patient anatomies and fracture patterns.