[Fixateur osteosyntheses of the femur]

Clip-type fixators are preferred for femur treatment because of the specific anatomic conditions. Good experience has been obtained from the Magdeburg fixator (an improved configuration of the Wagner fixator). Indication for fixator osteosynthesis on the femur does not differ from the generally valid principles. The approach was found to be suitable also for polytraumatised cases. Complications are controllable, and late results are satisfactory. The rate of osteitis amounted to 3.2 per cent. Problems were recorded from cases of infection, following plate-type osteosynthesis for multifragment fractures, which were even more severe when inspection and plate removal had been delayed. Methods have to be changed in all cases in which fractures have not healed within four to six months. Secondary osteosynthesis in such cases is usually combined with spongiosa reconstitution. A load-relieving fracture box may be sufficient for six months.