Middle third femoral fractures treated with medullary nailing or AO compression plates

Fifty-eight medullary nailings and 46 internal fixations with AO plates were performed on fractures of the middle third of the femur. The complication rate was 21-2%, infections accounting for 7-7% and implant failures for another 7-7%. Critical descriptions of the failures are given, 6 of 8 implant failures being biomechanical. Follow-up results were excellent or satisfactory in 95% of cases in both groups. At follow-up after 3 1/2 years, there was no difference in results between the two methods of treatment.