Management of fractures and fracture complications of femoral shaft using the ASIF compression plate.

Nnieteen acute fractures and fourteen fracture complications of the femoral shaft were managed with ASIF plate fixation. Two patients having femoral shortening procedures were similarly managed. Most injuries involved the distal femoral shaft, and were judged unacceptable for intramedullary nailing. Single plate fixation and immediate mobilization of the knee joint were possible in most patients. Technical failure, refracture through an end-screw hole, or nonunion occurred in 20% of the injuries. Plate fixation of the femoral shaft is not the surgical procedure of choice for management of femoral shaft injuries. It is an acceptable alternative to intramedullary nailing but carries a higher risk of complication.