To evaluate the result and efficacy of nonunion of the femur shaft treated with interlocking compression nail without bone graft.

From November, 1993 to January, 1999, l2 cases(11 patients) which have been diagnosed as nonunion of femur shaft fracture were treated with interlocking compression nail. Authors followed up and evaluated them about the clinical results, radiologic finding and complications at least 1 year.

All cases of nonunion occurred clinical and radiological complete bone union. The mean fracture union period was 25 weeks(19~36 weeks) and the mean interfragmental gap was improved from preoperative 6 mm(4~11 mm) to postoperative 1 mm(0.8~1.5 mm). Postoperative complication was the leg length discrepancy of 3 cases. Their average length is 1.1 cm. We thought that the length discrepancy came from initial severe communited fracture and could not find out any functional problems.

Interlocking compression nail for nonunion of the femur shaft seems to promote the fracture healing process without bone graft.