Treatment of femoral fractures by a fluted medullary rod

The first 50 consecutive cases of fixation of the femur using the Sampson fluted medullary rod are described. In suitable fractures this device has been inserted by the closed technique whenever possible. It also proved useful in the management of the complications of fractures treated by other methods and in the treatment of pathological fractures. The strength of the nail itself and the security of the fixation achieved allowed patients to be up and about very soon. There was one case of deep infection which resolved, but otherwise complications were minor.