Straight nail insertion through a laterally shifted entry for diaphyseal atypical femoral fractures with bowing: good indications and limitations of this technique.

Diaphyseal AFFs with grade 0-II bowing and < 20° anterior bowing were treated successfully by the shifted entry technique. However, postoperative malalignment was found in all cases of AFFs with severe bowing. Therefore, other techniques should be considered for AFFs with grade III bowing or ≥ 20° anterior bowing.