Compression plate osteosynthesis of femoral shaft fractures-Nizwa experience

ABSTRACT

Thirtynine fractures of the femoral shaft in 38 patients were treated with compression plating using the posterolateral approach. These fractures were situated from below the lesser trochanter to about 7.5 cms above the articular surface of the medial femoral condyle. After operative fixation of the fracture, no external form of splinting was needed as reasonably long compression plates with screws biting a minimum of 8 to 10 cortices in each of the main fractured fragments were fixed. Quadriceps and knee bending exercises followed by non-weight-bearing mobilisation on bilateral axillary crutches was started immediately after the operation. 38 fractures united well and in only one case, where there was breakage of the plate with non-union, reosteosynthesis with longer plate and bone grafting was done. The results were excellent in 36 fractures in 35 patients, fair in 2 patients in whom the last 20 degrees of flexion was restricted, and poor in 1 case