Unilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures Research Articles

Clinical versus radiological method for adjusting rotational alignment during femoral shaft fractures intramedullary nailing and the malrotation impact on the functional outcomes: early results from a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe primary objective of the current study is to assess which is better for obtaining the proper femoral rotation during IMN of femoral fractures, the radiological or clinical method. The secondary objectives were to document malrotation's incidence and its effect on the hip and knee functional outcomes.MethodsThirty-three patients with unilateral femoral shaft fractures were treated using intramedullary nails (IMN) on a usual radiolucent operative table. Intraoperative rotation adjustment was performed using a radiological method (relying on the contralateral lesser trochanter profile) in 16 patients (group A), while in 17 patients, a clinical method was used (group B). Postoperative assessment of malrotation was performed using a CT scan, and 15 degrees was the cutoff value where below is an acceptable rotation (group I) and above is true malrotation (group II). Functional assessment was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS), the Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (TLKSS), and the Neer score.ResultsThe patients' mean age was 30.7 ± 9.3 years; 81.8% were males, and the left side was injured in 63.6% of patients. After a mean follow up of 18.2 ± 6.9 months, all fractures were united, and the overall mean amount of rotational difference between the fractured and the contralateral side was 14.7° ± 6.0 (3–29.4), 84.8% were in external rotation. No difference in the mean rotational deformity in group A compared to group B. Measurements were 13.9 ± 6.7 and 15.7 ± 5.5, respectively (p = 0.47). Seventeen (51.5%) patients in group I with a mean deformity of 9.8 ± 3.4 (3–14.7), while group II consisted of 16 (48.5%) patients with a mean deformity of 19.6 ± 3.7 (15.3–29.4). There was no difference in the functional scores between group I and group II; HHS was 89.4 ± 7.4 versus 87.7 ± 8.9 (p = 0.54), TLKSS was 84.6 ± 9.6 versus 80.4 ± 13.9 (p = 0.32), and Neer score was 87.9 ± 9.5 versus 83 ± 12.5 (p = 0.21) for group I and group II, respectively.ConclusionThere was no difference in malrotation incidence after unilateral femoral fractures IMN with either an intraoperative clinical or radiological method for rotational adjustment; furthermore, malrotation did not affect the functional outcomes.

Accelerated fixation is associated with fewer pulmonary embolism in patients with isolated and unilateral femoral shaft fractures: A TQIP analysis

IntroductionThe optimal time to intramedullary internal fixation for patients with isolated and unilateral femoral shaft fractures was investigated by the American College of Surgeons-Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP). Material and methodsAdult patients from the TQIP between 2017 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion. The associations between time to fixation and target outcomes (pulmonary embolism [PE], deep vein thrombosis [DVT], acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], and mortality) were assessed. Maximization of the sum of sensitivity and specificity was used to determine the optimal cut point. The patients were divided into three groups according to different time to fixation intervals. A multinomial propensity scores weighting using generalized boosted models was performed for all unbiased pre-treatment factors between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to clarify the outcomes predictors. ResultsThe univariate and multivariate analysis before weighting showed that only PE was significantly associated with time to fixation (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.09; p = 0.012). The optimal cut point of time to fixation was 13.88 h. The patients were divided into accelerated (≤ 13.88 h), standard (> 13.88 and ≤ 24 h), and delayed (> 24 and < 36 h) groups. After weighting for all unbiased pre-treatment factors between the groups, multivariate logistic regression showed that standard group significantly increased the risk of PE compared with accelerated group (OR, 4.436; 95% CI, 1.844-10.672; p = 0.001). ConclusionAccelerated intramedullary internal fixation within 13.88 h was associated with a significantly decreased risk of PE compared with standard fixation in patients with isolated and unilateral femoral shaft fractures without additional mortality risks.

A Comparison of the Prevalence of, Demographics of, and Effects on Outcomes of Bilateral Versus Unilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis From the National Trauma Data Bank.

To document the prevalence of, and the effect on outcomes, operatively treated bilateral femur fractures treated using contemporary treatments. A retrospective cohort using data from the National Trauma Data Bank. In total, 119,213 patients in the National Trauma Data Bank between the years 2007 and 2015 who had operatively treated femoral shaft fractures. Complication rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), days in the intensive care unit (ICU LOS), days on a ventilator, and mortality rates. Patients with bilateral femur fractures had increased overall complications (0.74 vs. 0.50, P < 0.0001), a longer LOS (14.3 vs. 9.2, P < 0.0001), an increased ICU LOS (5.3 vs. 2.4, P < 0.0001), and more days on a ventilator (3.1 vs. 1.3, P < 0.0001), when compared with unilateral fractures. Bilateral femoral shaft fractures were independently associated with worse outcomes in all primary domains when adjusted by Injury Severity Score (P < 0.0001), apart from mortality rates. Age-adjusted bilateral injuries were independently associated with worse outcomes in all primary domains (P < 0.0001) except for the overall complication rate. A delay in fracture fixation beyond 24 hours was associated with increased mortality (P < 0.0001) and worse outcomes for all other primary measures (P < 0.0001 to P = 0.0278) for all patients. Bilateral femoral shaft fractures are an independent marker for increased hospital and ICU LOS, number of days on a ventilator, and increased complication rates, when compared with unilateral injuries and adjusted for age and Injury Severity Score. Timely definitive fixation, in a physiologically appropriate patient, is critical because a delay is associated with worse inpatient outcome measures and higher mortality rates. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

In-Hospital Morbidity and Mortality With Delays in Femoral Shaft Fracture Fixation.

To investigate trends in the timing of femur fracture fixation in trauma centers in the United States, identify predictors for delayed treatment, and analyze the association of timing of fixation with in-hospital morbidity and mortality using data from the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients with femoral shaft fractures treated from 2007 to 2015 were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank and grouped by timing of femur fixation: <24, 24-48 hours, and >48 hours after hospital presentation. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital postoperative mortality rate. Secondary outcomes included complication rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), days spent in the intensive care unit LOS (ICU LOS), and days on a ventilator. Among the 108,825 unilateral femoral shaft fractures identified, 74.2% was fixed within 24 hours, 16.5% between 24 and 48 hours, and 9.4% >48 hours. The mortality rate was 1.6% overall for the group. When fixation was delayed >48 hours, patients were at risk of significantly higher mortality rate [odds ratio (OR) 3.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.13-4.14], longer LOS (OR 2.14; CI 2.06-2.22), longer intensive care unit LOS (OR 3.92; CI 3.66-4.20), more days on a ventilator (OR 5.38; CI 4.89-5.91), and more postoperative complications (OR 2.05; CI 1.94-2.17; P < 0.0001). Our study confirms that delayed fixation of femoral shaft fractures is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Patients who underwent fixation >48 hours after presentation were at the greatest risk of increased morbidity and mortality. Although some patients require optimization/resuscitation before fracture fixation, efforts should be made to expedite operative fixation. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

EOS stereographic assessment of femoral shaft malunion after intramedullary nailing. A prospective series of 48 patients at 9 months’ follow-up

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to assess femoral shaft malunion following anterograde intramedullary nailing, using low-dose EOS stereoradiography. The study hypothesis was that our surgical technique is associated with radiological rotation disorder rates equivalent to those reported in the literature. MethodsAll patients with unilateral femoral shaft fracture treated by anterograde nailing between January 2014 and December 2016 and followed up in our structure were included in a single-center prospective study. The main endpoint was≥15° transverse malrotation compared to the contralateral side as measured on EOS stereoradiography. Correlations between malrotation and Harris Hip and SF12 functional scores were assessed, as were risk factors for onset of shaft malunion in rotation. Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 31.4 years were analyzed at a mean 9.3 months’ follow-up. ResultsStereoradiographic malrotation was found in 29.2% of patients. Mean anteversion was 18.5±13.8°. In 2.1% of patients, symptomatic rotation disorder required revision surgery. No correlations emerged between transverse malrotation and functional scores (p>0.05). Risk factors for malrotation comprised multi-site fracture (p=0.04), surgeon's inexperience (p=0.04), and open reduction (p=0.01). ConclusionThe present radiologic malrotation rate was comparable to those reported in the literature, using the EOS stereoradiographic system, which provides precise assessment of rotation disorder following closed nailing of femoral shaft fracture. Level of evidenceIII; prospective study without control group.

Effect of titanium elastic nailing surgery on the femoral development in pediatric femoral fractures

Purpose: The aim of this current study was to investigate the effect of titanium elastic nailing surgery following the pediatric femoral shaft fractures on the long-term pediatric femoral development.Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 62.1 months(15-160) who underwent surgery with titanium elastic nailing following unilateral femoral shaft fracture in our clinic were included in this study..At the last postoperative visit, patients were further evaluated through the physical examination and comparative femoral anterior posterior and lateral radiographs.The difference in length of the lower extremities and deformities in the frontal and sagittal plane, collodiaphyseal angle, mechanical distal femoral lateral angles were all calculated and compared with the intact femoral length and angles. Results: The mean follow-up period in our study was 69.8 months (36-120).The mean fracture union time period was 11.2 weeks(8-13).The mean implant removal time was 5.1months(2-12).At the last follow-up, 1 patient(2.8%) had 5mm shortening in the femur lenght while 3 patients’ femurs(8.5%) got longer with the average of 6 ± 4mm compared to that of the intact femur. In 8 patients (22.8%), varus angulation was measured as 4.7°± 2.1 at the fracture line. Conclusion: The treatment of femoral shaft fractures with titanium elastic nailing surgery has a limited effect on pediatric femur development in the long term. Surgical treatment of pediatric femoral fractures with titanium elastic nailing is a simple and safe method of treatment with low long-term complications.

Influence of a temporary stabilization device on respiratory status in patients with severe trauma with a femoral shaft fracture treated by damage control strategy.

BackgroundThere are few studies on the safety and respiratory consequences of the use of a skeletal traction (ST) device in the management of femoral shaft fractures with damage control orthopaedics (DCO) strategy, particularly in cases of prolonged use. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ST compared with an external fixator (EF) on respiratory complications and mechanical ventilation requirements in patients with severe trauma with a femoral shaft fracture managed by DCO strategy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all patients with severe trauma patients with a unilateral femoral shaft fracture admitted to our institution from 2010 to 2015. Patients who did not undergo definitive osteosynthesis during the first 24 h were included and divided into two groups: DCO-ST group and DCO-EF group. In addition to trauma severity, global management of respiratory complications, the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and mechanical ventilation requirements and outcome were compared.ResultsFifty-five patients were managed with DCO strategy (mean Injury Severity Score, 28.4); there were 31 in the DCO-ST group and 24 in the DCO-EF group. No significant difference in terms of the main characteristics, initial severity and associated injuries was observed between the two groups. In contrast, ARDS was found more frequently in the DCO-ST group (81% versus 54%; P = 0.035). Number of ventilation days also tended to be higher in the DCO-ST group (9 days [IQR 3–15 days] versus 7 [IQR 2–16 days]; P = 0.24). No difference was found for mortality and hospitalization duration between the DCO-ST and DCO-EF groups.ConclusionThe prolonged use of an ST device in the present cohort was associated with a higher incidence of impaired respiratory function. Therefore, our findings suggest that EF is preferable to ST in the DCO setting for femoral shaft fracture, especially in trauma patients at high risk of developing delayed respiratory failure.

Static plantar pressure and functional capacity in children with femoral shaft fractures treated by titanium elastic nailing

BackgroundFemoral shaft fractures represent common fractures of the lower limb in the paediatric population. The objectives of our study were to analyse the static plantar pressure and functional capacity in children with surgically treated unilateral femoral shaft fractures, 1 month after the metallic implant removal.MethodsOur study included 24 children with unilateral femoral shaft fracture (fracture site contralateral to the dominant leg) treated by titanium elastic nailing (TEN) implants, with the removal of the implant 6 months after initial surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (12 patients without inpatient rehabilitation) and Group 2 (12 patients who attended inpatient rehabilitation). The patients and 12 gender and age-matched healthy controls performed plantar pressure analysis and functional capacity testing (6-min walk test: 6MWT). For patients in Group 1 and 2 the assessments were performed 1 month after the TEN implant removal. Paired t-tests were used to compare the intragroup data. A one-way ANOVA test for independent measures was performed to assess the differences for plantar pressure, and 6MWT among study groups and controls.ResultsAll study patients had left femoral shaft fractures (affected limb). The patients and controls were all right leg dominant. In both Group 1 and Group 2 total foot loading was significantly higher on the non-affected limb compared with the affected limb. When compared to the non-affected limb, the loadings on the affected limb were significantly increased on the first and fifth metatarsal in Group 1, and on the fifth metatarsal in Group 2, with a significantly smaller heel loading. When compared with the controls we found significant differences for all pressure parameters, except for the right foot load for the rehabilitation group. Although the functional capacity values were higher in the rehabilitation group the two patients groups had significantly lower 6MWT values.ConclusionsWhen compared to healthy controls children with surgically treated unilateral femoral shaft fractures, although assessed after 7 months, had a different weight distribution on the feet and a decreased functional capacity. A rehabilitation programme included in the management of these patients is important for regaining their functional level.

Does electromagnetic-manual guided distal locking influence rotational alignment in antegrade femoral nailing?

The aim of this study was to determine whether distal locking using an electromagnetic-manual guided distal locking decreases the malrotation rate in femur fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. A total of 113 adult patients having unilateral femoral shaft fractures treated using IM nails were evaluated regarding demographic features, injury mechanism, fracture type, interval between trauma and nailing, operation time and number of image intensifier shots during the operation at least one year after nailing. Patients were divided into two groups according to distal locking technique. All patients had also undergone clinical examination for lower extremity alignment and range of motion and filled out the SF-36 questionnaire and undergone ultrasound measurement of femoral anteversion angles to reveal any rotational femoral malalignment. Group 1 consisted of 47 patients (41.6 %) with electromagnetic-manual targeting guided distal locking and group 2 consisted of 66 patients (58.4 %) with free-hand distal locking. Both groups were statistically similar regarding demographic features, injury mechanism, fracture type, interval between trauma and nailing, clinical examination and SF-36 results. Operation time and number of image intensifier shots were significantly less in group 1. No statistically significant difference was found between the femoral anteversion angles of injured and uninjured sides of the patients in both groups. Although there is no significant effect on malrotation, previously known advantages lead us to state that electromagnetic-manual guided distal interlocking is an advantageous treatment option in femoral shaft fractures.

Increased morbidity and mortality after bilateral femoral shaft fractures: Myth or reality in the era of damage control?

IntroductionBilateral femoral shaft fractures have been reported to be an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality; however, the value of these studies is limited due to small sample sizes and the timing of these studies before the establishment of damage control orthopaedics. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of morbidity and mortality in patients with bilateral vs. unilateral femoral shaft fractures in the era of damage control orthopaedics. MethodsRetrospective analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU from 2002 to 2005. Inclusion criteria were uni- or bilateral femoral shaft fractures and complete demographic data documentation. Univariate data analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed with SPSS. ResultsBetween 2002 and 2005, 776 patients with unilateral and 118 patients with bilateral femoral shaft fractures were identified. Patients with bilateral femoral shaft fractures had a significantly higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) (29.5 vs. 25.7 points), a significantly higher incidence of pulmonary (34.7% vs. 20.6%) and multiple organ failure (25.0% vs. 14.6%) as well as a significantly higher mortality rate (16.9% vs. 9.4%). In the overall patient population, early total care (ETC) was significantly more often performed in patients with unilateral femoral shaft fractures (50.9% vs. 33.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between bilateral femoral shaft fractures and multiple organ failure or mortality; however, bilateral femoral shaft fractures are an independent risk factor for pulmonary failure. Subgroup analysis revealed that the impact of the bilateral femoral shaft fracture was especially pronounced in patients with an ISS<25 points. DiscussionBilateral femoral shaft fractures are an independent risk factor for pulmonary failure but not for multiple organ failure or mortality. The impact of the additional femoral shaft fracture for pulmonary failure appears to be especially pronounced in the less severely injured patients, whose injuries are often underestimated when stratified with the ISS. Patients with bilateral femoral shaft fractures have significantly more often severe abdominal injuries as well as severe blood loss which may account for the increased mortality rate. Therefore, the presence of bilateral femoral shaft fractures should be recognised as an increased risk for systemic complications.

Risk of Mortality: The Relationship With Associated Injuries and Fracture Treatment Methods in Patients With Unilateral or Bilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures

The aim of the study was to determine the relative contributions to mortality of a unilateral or a bilateral femoral fracture in patients with or without injuries to other body regions. An observational cohort study of the prospectively recorded England and Wales Trauma Registry data (Trauma Audit Research Network) from 1989 to 2003. Patients were divided into the following groups: UFi (isolated unilateral femur injury), BFi (isolated bilateral femur injury), and UFa and BFa, if an associated injury was present. Injury and treatment data were collected for each patient. Logistic regression data analysis was performed to determine variables that were associated with increased mortality. Patients in group BFa had an increased mortality rate (31.6% vs. 9.8%) than patients in isolated bilateral femur injury group. Group BFa patients had an increased number of associated injuries (80%) than group UFa patients. Bilateral fracture, even in isolation, significantly increased the odds of mortality by 3.07. Intramedullary nailing was the method of fracture fixation associated with the lowest patient mortality overall. When assessing patient mortality in the BFa group with an New Injury Severity Score of >40, seven other fracture fixation regimens were associated with a lower mortality. The increase in mortality with BFs is more closely associated with the presence of associated injuries and poor physiologic parameters than with the presence of the BF alone. The presence of BFs should alert the clinician to the very high likelihood (80%) of significant associated injuries in other body systems and their life-threatening potential. Damage control fixation options should be considered in the subgroup with a very high New Injury Severity Score.

Limb Geometry After Elastic Stable Nailing for Pediatric Femoral Fractures

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing has become a popular treatment for pediatric long-bone fractures. However, early limb malalignment and length differences may occur in children with femoral fractures who are managed with this procedure. We prospectively followed sixty-eight children (mean age, 5.6 years) who were managed with elastic stable intramedullary nailing for the treatment of a unilateral femoral shaft fracture in order to evaluate early angular or rotational malalignment or limb-length discrepancy. The average body weight was 21 kg (range, 10 to 45 kg). There were fifty-seven AO/ASIF Type-A fractures and eleven Type-B fractures. Malalignment was assessed with use of radiographs, computed tomography, or navigated ultrasound examination after four to seven months to evaluate the short-term result of fixation and to eliminate changes caused by later bone remodeling. The mean femoral length difference was 0.5 mm of femoral lengthening. Only eleven patients (16%) had a limb-length discrepancy of >10 mm. Mechanical axial deviation of >5 degrees occurred in one patient. However, the mean femoral rotational angle difference was 14.5 degrees . Thirty-two children (47%) had > or =15 degrees of torsional malalignment. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing can provide satisfactory results in terms of limb length and axial alignment, but a high rate of early torsional malalignment may be seen.

Flexible Intramedullary Nailing in Pediatric Lower Limb Fractures

Seventy-three children (48 boys and 25 girls; mean age, 5.7 years) with unilateral femoral or tibial shaft fractures were treated using elastic intramedullary nails at the authors' institution. There were 61 simple type A fractures (84%) and 12 wedge type B fractures (16%). All but 3 children had closed fractures. Associated injuries were seen in one third of the cases. All fractures were reduced by closed manipulation. Union was achieved in all cases without additional intervention. Technical problems occurred in few patients. Improper nail length was seen in 4 cases. None of the study patients developed deep infection. No angulation greater than 15 degrees was found after femoral fractures. Nine patients had length discrepancy greater than 10 mm. Spiral fractures showed a tendency for shortening whereas transverse fractures were more associated with post-traumatic lengthening. No significant axial malalignment or shortening was seen in tibial fractures. Torsional differences of greater than 15 degrees were detected by computed tomography or navigated ultrasound examination in nearly half of the patients; however, only 4 children had clinically apparent gait changes. The study confirms the satisfactory results of treating pediatric lower limb fractures using elastic nails. Proper surgical technique and intraoperative control of limb alignment can help avoid postoperative deformities.

Computed tomography determined femoral torsion is not accurate.

Computed tomography (CT) is considered the method of choice for detecting rotational malalignment of the femur. However, it is unclear how reliable the method is, and what the causes are of potential inaccuracies. To address these issues three observers measured the CT images of the femur of 76 patients on two separate occasions. The images were made during follow-up of a unilateral femoral shaft fractures. Rotational malalignment was determined by comparing the torsion angle of the injured to the noninjured leg. The pooled intraobserver variance was 3.9 degrees and interobserver variance 4.1 degrees. Of the two measurements of one observer 95% were up to 10.8 degrees different, and between observers 95% of the measurements were up to 15.6 degrees different. CT measurements of rotational malalignment of the femur are not accurate. This is due principally to the difficulty in defining a line through the axis of the femoral neck. The accuracy can be improved by taking the average of two measurements.

Rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures.

Intramedullary nailing has been accepted as the treatment of choice for femoral shaft fractures. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and implications of rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing using computed tomography measurements. Cohort study. Patients who postoperatively visited the orthopaedic outpatient and radiology clinics. Seventy-six patients, 59 men and 17 women, with a mean age of 28.4 years (15-88). Patients treated on a fracture table with an antegrade reamed AO nail (n = 46) or Grosse Kempf nail (n = 30) for a unilateral femoral shaft fracture between 1988 and 1998 were included in the study. Patients filled out a questionnaire concerning pain, daily activities, and sport. Oxford, Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index, and Harris Hip and Knee Society scores were obtained. Physical exams and computed tomography measurements were established. Twenty-one patients (28%) were found to have a rotational malalignment of 15degrees or more. There was no significant difference in rotational deformity with either the AO or Grosse Kempf nail. The incidence of malrotation was independent of the fracture level. Patients with a torsional deformity had difficulties with more demanding activities like running, sports, and climbing stairs. Patients with an external rotational malalignment (n = 12) have more functional problems than patients with an internal rotational malalignment (n = 9). Clinically determined rotation differences are not accurate (+/-20degrees) compared with the established computed tomography measurements. Rotational malalignment after intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures is found in 28% of the patients in this study. These patients have difficulties with more demanding activities, especially when they have an external torsional deformity.

Torsional deformity after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. Measurement of anteversion angles in 110 patients.

The torsion of both femora was evaluated in 110 patients who had been treated by intramedullary nailing for unilateral femoral shaft fractures. The anteversion (AV) angle was measured by ultrasound, using a tilted-transducer technique. True torsional deformity, defined as an AV difference of 15 degrees or more between sides was found in 21 patients, but only eight had complaints related to the deformity. Three patients had reoperations for troublesome external torsional deformities. Of 26 patients with AV differences of 10 degrees to 14 degrees, defined as possible torsional deformity, three had complaints, but none had serious problems. AV differences of up to 29 degrees were observed in symptom-free patients, and no patients with AV differences below 10 degrees had complaints. Static and dynamic nailing showed almost equal tendencies to lead to torsional deformity. We conclude that torsional deformities are usually established during the operation. Many patients tolerate abnormal torsion, but efforts should be made to reduce and stabilise the femoral shaft fracture with an AV difference of less than 15 degrees.

Femoral shaft fractures treated with plate fixation and interlocked nailing: a comparative retrospective study

In a retrospective study, the results of 39 patients with fresh unilateral femoral shaft fractures were studied: 19 had been treated with an AO interlocking nail and 20 with an AO plate. The preoperative characteristics of both groups were similar. The interlocking nail procedure took significantly longer (P = 0.002, Wilcoxon's test) and was associated with technical faults in seven patients. Full weight-bearing was allowed significantly earlier (P = 0.001, Wilcoxon's) in the interlocking nail group. Delayed union was observed in three patients in the plate osteosynthesis group but was not encountered in the interlocking nail group. Cancellous autogenous bone grafting was performed seven times during or after plating, but was not necessary in the interlocking nail group. Two cases of osteitis arose after plating and none after interlocked nailing. At follow-up, one patient in each group was suffering from serious complaints. The interlocking nail procedure took longer than plating, but allowed earlier full weight-bearing. The final results were similar in both groups of patients.