Open intramedullary nailing of the femoral shaft fracture.

There is a growing trend to closed intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures that we partially subscribe to. This report, however, concerns open reduction and intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures from 1972-1982. Two groups of fractures are discussed independently--22 pathologic fractures and 88 traumatic fractures. Mortality figures as well as functional and anatomic results are presented. Complications include one superficial infection, two nonunions, and two delayed unions. This study provides us with a baseline measure for comparison with other methods now under consideration and on trial.