Small versus large diameter closed-section femoral nails for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures: Is there a difference?

A retrospective series of 99 femoral shaft fractures treated by small diameter (10 and 11 mm) and large diameter (>11 mm) closed section femoral nails from November 1989 to September 1993 was analyzed. No significant differences in the parameters of bony union and time to full weight bearing were seen between the two groups nor were there significant differences between the rate of secondary procedures. There were no broken nails neither group and there was no difference in the overall respiratory complication rate. Conclusion: No statistically significant differences existed between the small and large diameter groups except for the mean age and mean follow- up period. Small diameter nails can be used safely without the risk of nail breakage.