INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING OF OPEN FEMORAL-SHAFT FRACTURES

Twenty-seven patients with 28 open femoral shaft fractures were treate d by intramedullary nailing, Ten fractures were Grade I, nine Grade II and nine Grade III according to Gustilo. After debridement and irriga tion of the wounds, 26 fractures were nailed immediately, whilst two f ractures were stabilized at an early stage. Two infections developed. One occurred before intramedullary nailing during a period of femoral traction. Both infections were treated successfully. The authors concl ude that primary intramedullary nailing is safe in open femoral fractu res of all grades. If a thorough debridement and irrigation are perfor med, the postoperative infection rate is low.