[Indications for a bridging plate osteosynthesis of compound femoral shaft fractures].

We performed the clinical and radiological follow-up of 29 comminuted fractures of the femoral shaft treated by bridging plate osteosynthesis. Complete bone healing in 6 open fractures took place within 33 weeks, in 15 closed fractures within 22 weeks. We had to meet 5 postoperative complications: 2 cases of osteomyelitis following open fractures, 1 early wound infection and 2 haematomas. Primary cancellous bone grafting we found unnecessary in all of the 29 fractures. We recommend the technique of bridging plate osteosynthesis for the stabilization of comminuted fractures of the femur especially under the clinical circumstances as follows: 1. Polytrauma, 2. Metaphyseal or condylar fracture, 3. Open fracture, 4. Redisplacement, 5. Fracture in children.