Double-plating fixation of comminuted femoral shaft fractures with concomitant thoracic trauma

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes in adult polytraumatized patients with thoracic injury and femoral shaft fractures treated with double-plating fixation. METHODS: From November 2010 to October 2014, 15 polytraumatized patients with femoral shaft fractures were enrolled in this retrospective study. Radiographic findings and functional outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Fourteen (93%) of the 15 femoral shaft fractures achieved bony union, with a mean time to union of 9.2 months. The mean Nonarthritic Hip Score and Lysholm Knee Score was 89.4 and 87.2 points, respectively. The range of motion of the knee joint was comparable between the injured and uninjured legs (116° and 121°, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that lower limb function returns to normal after orthogonal double-plating fixation, which is an alternative technique to intramedullary nailing for femoral diaphyseal fractures in patients with severe chest injury.