Fractures of the femoral shaft treated by plating

Eighty-six fractures of the femoral shaft were treated by open reduction and plating. Seventy-seven fractures (90 per cent) were reviewed 12-72 months (average 38 months) after operation. An excellent or good result was achieved in 70 fractures (91 per cent). There was no case of deep infection. The most common complication was a fatigue fracture of the plate, which occurred in five cases. In patients over the age of 60 years, loosening of the implant was troublesome. Primary bone grafting is essential if rigid internal fixation is not obtained. Plating is an excellent method of treating fractures of the femoral shaft in patients under the age of 60 years, provided that the surgeon is technically competent and experienced in this method of treatment.