Sliding bone graft combined with double locking plate fixation for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a novel method of sliding bone graft combined with double locking plate fixation in treating femoral shaft nonunion. Methods Clinical data from patients with femoral shaft nonunion that was treated with sliding bone grafts combined with double locking plate fixation were retrospectively collected. Data included duration of surgery, blood loss, union rate, time to union and possible complications. Results Twenty-five patients included in the study were followed for a mean duration of 16.6 ± 2.6 months (range, 12–22 months). All of the fractures (100%) achieved bony union. Mean time to union was 6.0 ± 1.0 months (range, 4–8 months). No infections or medullary cavity occlusions were observed. Conclusions Sliding bone graft combined with double locking plate fixation was shown to be a safe, effective, and convenient surgical option for the treatment of nonunion, due to its high union rates with no complications. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-up are warranted.