title: Prevention of complications after treatment of femoral shaft and distal femoral fractures.
abstract: The need for surgical treatment of femoral shaft and distal femoral fractures is undisputed. The treatment options are varied, and often the choice is based on the surgeon's preference rather than orthopaedic science. The decision should be determined by the predicted functional outcome rather than by the type of implant to be used. The entry point for intramedullary femoral nailing is of no consequence, if the nailing is performed correctly and the patient has a good functional outcome. The primary goal of treatment for a supracondylar femoral fracture is to restore limb alignment while preventing angular deformity. Proper technique, not the choice of a nail or plate, is key to recovery.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Trauma, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Ostrum
authors.forename: Jeffrey O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Anglen
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Archdeacon
authors.forename: Lisa K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Cannada
authors.forename: Dolfi
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Herscovici
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D001860:Bone Plates; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*