Immediate internal fixation of low-velocity gunshot-related femoral fractures.

Fractures caused by gunshots are increasingly common in urban hospitals and trauma centers. The rising incidence and complexity of these injuries present difficult management problems and health care burdens. In a 3-year period, from 1989 through 1991, 21 patients with femoral shaft fractures from low-velocity bullets were treated with intramedullary fixation within 15 hours of admission. Eighteen patients were available for follow-up. The fractures had healed in all patients. Average hospitalization for an isolated injury was 7 days. There were no complications related to immediate internal fixation. Immediate internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures caused by low-velocity gunshots can be performed in an efficient and cost effective manner.