Treatment of femoral fractures with the cast brace.

The authors report a retrospective review of 82 patients with femoral fractures treated nonoperatively by skeletal traction and cast bracing at the University of Alberta Hospital between 1975 and 1979. Fractures were classified as stable or unstable and the position of the fracture was assessed at the time of application of the cast brace and at the time of removal, using angulation, shortening and healing time as criteria for classification of results. Satisfactory results were seen in 88% of patients. At the time of cast brace removal, average knee flexion was 97 degrees, thigh atrophy was 2.5 cm and shortening was 1.4 cm. The unsatisfactory results are analysed and a protocol for successful use of the cast brace is suggested.