Combined fractures of the femoral and tibial shafts in the same limb

Abstract

This paper reports a study of ipsilateral fractures of the femoral and tibial shafts in 21 patients treated according to a detailed plan including shock treatment, prophylaxis against fat embolism, soft-tissue and fracture treatment. Death due to hypovolaemic shock was eliminated and the incidence of fat embolism (9.5 per cent) reduced in comparison with an earlier series. The tibial fracture was stabilized by plaster or internal fixation as soon as conditions allowed. In most cases the femoral fracture was treated by medullary nailing. Results have improved compared with earlier series. All fractures healed within 15 months, and functional end results have been excellent in the majority of the surviving patients (89 per cent).