Quadriceps function following indirect nailing of femoral shaft fractures

A series of 24 adult patients with isolated, unilateral fractures of the femoral shaft treated by indirect Street-Hansen nailing is submitted. Follow-up included clinical and radiological assessment as well as measurement of quadriceps power. Isometric strength as well as dynamic endurance were significantly decreased at the 5 per cent level as compared with the unaffected leg. There was a poor correlation between thigh circumference and strength. The decrease in strength and endurance after indirect nailing was less than that found in previous investigations of femoral fractures treated by direct nailing.