[Experience with the AO universal femoral intramedullary nail for management of femur shaft fractures].

57 fractures of the femoral shaft, treated with an AO femoral interlocking nail, have been analysed in a retrospective study. 40 nails have been implanted primarily, 17 as secondary procedures following different operations. In the group of primary nailing 35/40 reached a good or very good result, 8 of them however, following secondary operations. In the group of the secondary nailing, 9/17 patients had a good or a very good result. 3 pseudarthroses persisted. The AO femoral interlocking nail therefore appears to be an adequate implant for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures, but a precise implantation technique is a prerequisite for the successful outcome.