Minimizing Leg Length Discrepancy After Intramedullary Nailing Of Comminuted Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Prospective Quality Improvement Initiative Using The Scout CT Scanogram

OBJECTIVES: To prevent leg length discrepancy (LLD) after locked femoral nailing in patients with comminuted femoral shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective consecutive case series aimed at quality improvement. SETTING: Level 1 Trauma Center PATIENTS:: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with a comminuted femoral shaft fracture underwent statically locked intramedullary nailing, with a focused attempt at minimizing LLD during surgery. INTERVENTION: A computed tomography scanogram of both legs was performed on postoperative day 1 to assess for residual LLD. Patients were offered the option to have LLD >1.5 cm corrected before discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: LLD >1.5 cm. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (21.4%) were found to have an LLD >1.5 cm. An LLD >1.5 cm occurred in 10/55 (18%) antegrade nail patients and 11/43 (26%) retrograde nail patients (P = 0.27). No difference was noted based on the mechanism of injury, surgeon training and OTA/AO type B versus C injury. Ninety of 98 patients left with 1.5 cm after locked intramedullary nailing for a comminuted femoral shaft fracture without being informed and the option of early correction. We recommend using a full-length computed tomography scanogram after IM nailing of comminuted femur fractures to prevent iatrogenic LLD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.