Introduction: Distal femur fractures represent a therapeutic
challenge with frequent drawbacks such as knee rigidity
and arthrosis. Retrograde nails have been recently introduced,
with the theoretical advantages of less bleeding, less surgical
exposure time, early weight-bearing and less joint rigidity.
Methods and materials: We have retrospectively analised the
clinical history of the 19 patients who suffered distal femur fractures
between 1998 and 2000 and received a SCN type retrograde
nailing treatment, studying parameters like consolidation,
joint balance and complications. Hip and knee intra-articular
and periprosthetic fractures were included. Results: Our series
was made up of six men and thirteen women with an average
age of 61. Bone-healing was achieved in all patients in an average
time of 17 weeks. Average joint mobiliy resulted in 100º flexion
and complete extension. The most frequent complication
was prominence due to backslip of distal block nails in those
cases where supracondylar bolt was not used, which made it
necessary to remove the nails in two patients. An average shortening
of 6mm was observed. No infections were recorded in
our series. Discussion: SCN nail appears as a useful technique
for the management of distal femur fractures. It is specially indicated
in hip and knee supracondylar and periprosthetic fractures.
Functional results are more satisfactory in extra-articular
fractures and in patients under 60 years of age.

Introduction: Distal femur fractures represent a therapeutic
challenge with frequent drawbacks such as knee rigidity
and arthrosis. Retrograde nails have been recently introduced,
with the theoretical advantages of less bleeding, less surgical
exposure time, early weight-bearing and less joint rigidity.
Methods and materials: We have retrospectively analised the
clinical history of the 19 patients who suffered distal femur fractures
between 1998 and 2000 and received a SCN type retrograde
nailing treatment, studying parameters like consolidation,
joint balance and complications. Hip and knee intra-articular
and periprosthetic fractures were included. Results: Our series
was made up of six men and thirteen women with an average
age of 61. Bone-healing was achieved in all patients in an average
time of 17 weeks. Average joint mobiliy resulted in 100º flexion
and complete extension. The most frequent complication
was prominence due to backslip of distal block nails in those
cases where supracondylar bolt was not used, which made it
necessary to remove the nails in two patients. An average shortening
of 6mm was observed. No infections were recorded in
our series. Discussion: SCN nail appears as a useful technique
for the management of distal femur fractures. It is specially indicated
in hip and knee supracondylar and periprosthetic fractures.
Functional results are more satisfactory in extra-articular
fractures and in patients under 60 years of age.