Background: Long bone fractures represent a significant portion of orthopedic trauma cases, with optimal treatment methods remaining a subject of ongoing debate. This study compares the clinical outcomes, complications, and functional results of intramedullary nailing versus plating techniques in long bone fracture management.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted examining 324 patients with long bone fractures treated between January 2020 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: intramedullary nailing (n=162) and plating (n=162). Primary outcomes included union rates, time to union, functional scores, and complication rates. Secondary outcomes assessed included operative time, blood loss, and patient satisfaction scores.
Results: Intramedullary nailing demonstrated superior union rates (94.4% vs 87.7%, p<0.05) and shorter time to union (14.2±3.8 weeks vs 18.6±4.2 weeks, p<0.001). Plating showed higher rates of infection (8.6% vs 3.7%, p<0.05) and implant failure (6.2% vs 2.5%, p<0.05). Functional outcomes measured by DASH scores were comparable between groups at 12-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing offers advantages in terms of union rates, healing time, and lower complication rates for appropriate long bone fractures. However, both techniques have specific indications, and treatment selection should be individualized based on fracture characteristics, patient factors, and surgeon expertise.