Femoral Malunion and Its Correction: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Radiology

Background:

• Femoral malunion, healing in an incorrect position, impairs function despite high union rates.
• Lack of standardized definitions and management hinders optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize literature on femoral malunion causes, presentation, assessment, and treatment.
• Guide clinical decisions and future research for improved patient care.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed orthopedic literature on adult femoral malunions.
• Focused on region-specific deformities and corresponding surgical correction methods.

Main Results:

• Clinically significant deformities include >5-10° angulation, >10° rotation, or >1-2 cm shortening.
• Symptoms include pain, limp, gait asymmetry, and early arthritis.
• Anatomically tailored corrective techniques yield favorable union rates and functional improvement.

Conclusions:

• Femoral malunion is complex but treatable with accurate assessment and patient-specific surgical planning.
• Restoring mechanical alignment is crucial for successful outcomes.
• Standardized criteria and long-term studies are needed to refine management.