[Differences in leg length following femoral shaft fractures in childhood].

114 children with femoral shaft fractures were treated between 1975 and 1981 at the Department of Paediatric Surgery of the University of Munich. Follow-up examination of 80 children with 81 femoral fractures was possible. 57% were treated conservatively by traction, 43% got an operative treatment by plate osteosynthesis or nailing. With regard to leg length discrepancies there was a significant difference between a control group of children without preceding trauma and one with femoral fractures. After conservative treatment we found an average discrepancy of 0.24 cm. Overgrowth could not be reduced by greater overlapping of fragments at the time of union. After osteosynthesis we found an average discrepancy of 1.2 cm. The data obtained showed no connection between the period osteosynthesis material was implanted and the measurements of leg length discrepancy. Equalization of the discrepancies during further growth cannot be expected.