LOCAL AND SYSTEMIC TRAUMA IN PLATING OF F EMORAL-SHAFT FRACTURES

Compression plating of fractures of the femur has a number of logistic advantages over intramedullary stabilization techniques though it is equally demanding for the surgeon. In this retrospective study of 77 c ases, we try to show that compression plating of fractures of the femo ral shaft is still a viable alternative to intramedullary fixation, es pecially in the light of local complications, postoperative systemic i mplications for the patient with multiple injuries, and the time requi red to achieve bone union. The data relating to all three of these asp ects permit the conclusion that the results reached with compression p lating of both simple and comminuted femoral shaft fractures are compa rable to those reported following intramedullary nailing. Our treatmen t regimen does not involve a higher risk to the patient.