The technique of “autologous bone grafting through channels” combined with double-plate fixation is effective treatment of femoral nonunion

Purpose The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the effective treatment of femoral nonunion using the technique of “autologous bone grafting through channels” combined with double-plate fixation. Methods In this study, 186 patients with nonunion fracture of femur who underwent surgery using the technique of “autologous bone grafting through channels” combined with double-plate fixation in Hong Hui Hospital from May 2010 to July 2020 were enrolled. Totally, 122 males and 64 females with mean age of 44 years were evaluated. These patients were evaluated for the full clinical and radiological union time, duration of follow-up, levels of post-operative limb shortening, and range of motion of adjacent joints, and incidence of serious complications. Results The mean follow-up time was 22 ± 6.2 months (range 12–44 months). Mean union time from surgery using our technique to full clinical and radiological union was 7.6 ± 1.2 months (range 4–9 months). All patients have achieved the union after one operation or two operations using the technique. The one-operation union rate is 98.4%. Post-operative severe complications were seen in seven patients which included deep vein thrombosis; the surgical site infection and the fracture nonunion. The range of motion in the adjacent joint of 17.7% (33/186) in all patients have an effect to the limb function. Six patients have the limb shortening more than 10 mm after surgery. Conclusion The technique of “autologous bone grafting through channels” combined with double-plate fixation is showed to be safe, effective, and easy to master and operate surgical option for treating the femoral nonunion.