title: Open fractures of the femoral shaft.
abstract: In this article, the treatment of open fractures of the femoral shaft is discussed, and the available clinical studies are reviewed. A rationale for treating these types of fractures is provided, and specific recommendations are made.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Trauma Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Lhowe
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014143:Traction