%A Karaarslan, Ahmet %A Skiak, Eyad %A Aycan, Hakan %A Ascioglu, Ahmet %A Sesli, Erhan %T Femur nail-cortex contact length and aging %9 Original Article %D 2016 %J Sifa Medical Journal %R 10.4103/2148-7731.182002 %P 48-51 %V 3 %N 2 %U https://www.imjsu.org/article.asp?issn=2148-7731;year=2016;volume=3;issue=2;spage=48;epage=51;aulast=Karaarslan %8 May 1, 2016 %X Aims: For prevention of interfragmentary shear motion in intramedullary nailing, the nail-cortex contact (N-CC) length should be long enough. This study was designed to assess the N-CC length changes related to the aging process. Materials and Methods: Femur anteroposterior (AP) radiograms of 204 patients older than 20 years were reamed virtually to be 13-mm, 14-mm, and 15-mm diameter artificial medullary cavities. Patients were divided into two major groups (males and females). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups - 20-39 years, 40-59 years, above 60 years, and above 70 years. The N-CC lengths of the femur diaphysis were measured in all groups and changes were compared between the groups. Results: For the 13-mm diameter artificial medullar cavity in female groups, the mean N-CC length value in the 20-39 years age group was 13.8 ± 4 cm, mean N-CC length value in the 40-59 years group was 11.6 ± 4.3 cm, mean N-CC length value in the above 60 years group was 9.4 ± 5.3 cm, and mean N-CC length value in the above 70 years age group were 8.8 ± 3 cm. A significant 48.6% decrease of N-CC length between 20-39-year and 40-59-year aged female groups was noticed (Z = −2.423; P = 0.015), whereas in the male groups, the significant N-CC length decrease (86%) was between the 40-59 years age group and above 70 years age group (Z = −4.279; P = 0.001). Conclusion: As N-CC length decreases after the age of 40 years in women and after the age of 70 years in men, thicker intramedullary nails should be used in these age groups for long N-CC area. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2148-7731