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Published on: June 6, 2025
Retrograde Nailing of an Unstable Distal-Third Femoral Shaft Fracture Using Pure Indirect Reduction: A Case Report in
Or Jeff Walter Rajadurai1, M Sathesh Kumar1, K Purushothaman1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduction:
Distal-third femoral shaft fractures in the elderly are rarely straightforward. Reduction and fixation are challenging due to poor bone quality, an unstable fracture pattern, and not enough room to work. Retrograde nailing is an accepted solution, but in long-oblique fractures, maintaining alignment is often the real problem. Many surgeons depend on poller screws, cerclage wires, or temporary plates to hold the reduction. In this report, we describe a case where none of these were used. The fracture was reduced and held using indirect methods alone.
Case Report:
A 72-year-old female presented after a low-energy fall with a long-oblique fracture in the distal third of the femoral shaft. The bone was clearly osteoporotic, and the fracture was unstable by nature. Under image guidance, reduction was achieved using traction, rotation, and careful limb positioning. The fracture site was not opened. No poller screws, cerclage wires, joysticks, or temporary plates were used. Once alignment was satisfactory, a retrograde nail was inserted. The reduction remained stable during guidewire passage and reaming. Postoperatively, alignment was maintained. Callus formation was seen progressively, and the fracture united by 5 months.
Discussion:
Most reports on distal-third femoral fractures treated with retrograde nails describe the use of some form of mechanical assistance to control reduction, especially in osteoporotic bone or long-oblique patterns. The concern is always the same - loss of alignment during reaming. In this case, reduction was maintained by paying close attention to limb position, soft-tissue tension, and fluoroscopic control. No adjuncts were required. This challenges the routine instinct to add hardware for control and highlights the value of respecting soft-tissue-guided reduction, even in fractures that appear unstable on imaging.
Conclusion:
Even in an osteoporotic, long-oblique distal-third femoral shaft fracture, stable alignment can be achieved without additional reduction tools. When indirect reduction principles are applied patiently and monitored carefully, retrograde nailing remains a reliable option.
