Flexible intramedullary nails for ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures

Between June 1981 and August 1983, six patients were treated with flexible intramedullary nails for both femoral and tibial fractures in six floating knees. All six patients were males averaging 26 years of age and all six were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Concomitant associated injuries were common. Two femoral and five tibial fractures were open. All fractures were stabilized within 24 hours of injury by closed intramedullary nailing with Ender nails. At final followup, there was one femoral and one tibial nonunion in the same patient. For the remaining patients, femoral union averaged 10.3 weeks and tibial union averaged 18 weeks. Five patients regained full motion at the hip, and four regained full motion at the knee and ankle. Four patients returned to their preinjury level of function; two were less active, one ambulating without the use of external assistive devices, and one using a cane.