External fixation in close comminuted femoral shaft fractures in adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of external fixation in the management of highly comminuted femoral shaft fractures in adults.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Agency HQ Hospital, Landikotal and Saidu Group of Hospitals, Swat, from April 1999 to March 2002.


METHODS
Fourteen adults with close Winquist Type III and IV comminuted fractures of the shaft of the femur were treated with external fixation. The fixator was applied until the fracture became stable and was followed by the application of a femoral cast-brace till consolidation. All patients were followed for a minimum period of one year after the index procedure.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients (93%) achieved fracture consolidation in an average time of 5.2 months (range 4-8). Eight patients had pin-tract infections and 3 developed shortening and 11 lost an average of 34 (0-75) degrees of range-of-motion in their knees. On the basis of this loss, there were 4 excellent, 6 good, 3 fair and 1 poor result.


CONCLUSIONS
External fixation is a useful technique for the stabilization of close comminuted femoral shaft fractures where modern technology is not available. Pin-tract infection and knee stiffness are problems inherent with the use of this method but can be easily minimized with good pin hygiene and knee exercises.
Babar
Iqtidar Ullah
IU
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, PGMI, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016267:External Fixators; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan