Fractures of the Femoral Shaft in Children Treated with an AO Compressive Plate

Abstract

From 1985 to 1993 twenty-five children ranging in age from 4-15 years were admitted to our clinic with femoral shaft fracture and treated surgically with and AO compression plate. 16 patients who were followed up regularly and admitted for the last follow-up controls were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The reason for plate fixation were associated severe head injury, polytrauma and poor reduction. All fractures healed without angulation or rotation. We believe that plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures is a safe and reliable method in children who had severe head injury or associated polytrauma.