SECONDARY COMPRESSION PLATING OF OPEN FRA CTURES OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITY - STILL A VIABLE THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVE

During the time period from May 1, 1990 to July 31, 1993, a total of 1 02 tibial and 144 femur fractures were treated in the Department of Tr aumatology of the University of Bonn. 45 patients with 25 open tibial and 22 open femur fractures were treated according to a regimen includ ing primary stabilization, usually in an external fixator, soft tissue reconstruction and delayed open reduction and internal fixation using an A0-plate. A majority of the patients were involved in motor vehicl e accidents, leading to multiple injuries in 26 instances. The complic ation rate of 17 % is comparable to the reports following intramedulla ry stabilization. Only three chronic infections, following one grade t wo open femur fracture, one grade two and one grade three open tibial fracture, were seen. Bony union was achieved after 24 weeks. It is sho wn that the use of the A0-plate in the treatment of open fractures of the femur and tibia offers not only logistic advantages but represents a viable alternative for the delayed stabilization of these injuries.