Course Description

What is a Distal Femoral Nail?

A Distal Femoral Nail (DFN) is an orthopedic implant used to treat fractures of the distal femur, which is the lower part of the thigh bone near the knee.

• It is a metal rod inserted inside the femoral bone (intramedullary).

• Provides internal fixation to stabilize the fracture.

• Allows patients to mobilize earlier and reduces the risk of malunion or non-union.

???? Indications (When It Is Used)

A DFN is typically used for:

• Distal femur fractures (near the knee)

• Supracondylar femur fractures

• Osteoporotic fractures

• Pathological fractures (due to tumors or bone disease)

• Complex fractures where plating is difficult

⚙️ Structure / Design

• Made of stainless steel or titanium

• Intramedullary rod fits inside the femoral canal

• Distal screws lock the nail near the knee for stability

• Proximal screws lock the nail near the hip

• Can be reamed or unreamed, depending on fracture type

???? Surgical Procedure

1. Pre-operative planning – X-ray / CT scan to assess fracture

2. Patient positioning – Supine or lateral position

3. Incision & entry point – Near femur top (proximal end)

4. Insertion of nail – Through medullary canal

5. Locking screws – Placed distally and proximally

6. Closure and dressing

Duration: Usually 60–90 minutes depending on fracture complexity

????️‍♂️ Post-Operative Care

• Pain management

• Physiotherapy – Early knee and hip mobilization

• Partial weight-bearing initially

• Regular X-rays to monitor healing

• Full weight-bearing after fracture consolidation (usually 10–12 weeks)

✅ Advantages of DFN

• Stable fixation for complex fractures

• Minimally invasive compared to plating

• Allows early mobilization

• Reduces malunion and infection risk

⚠️ Complications

• Infection at the surgical site

• Non-union or delayed union

• Malalignment of the bone

• Pain around the knee

• Implant failure (rare)

???? Summary