FRACTURES OF THE FEMUR. EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL OSTEOSYNTHESIS AS A METHOD OF TREATMENT.

Aim of study: The aim of our study is to deposit our experience from the confrontation of the fractures of the femur with external osteosynthesis as a provisional method, but also in some times, as a final treatment. Materials and method: Between the years 1998 – 2002, we treated 20 patients (19 men) with fractures of the femur, from which 6 were open, 11 were in polytrauma patients, aged from 17 to 70 years with M.O of age of 26 years, which were faced with external osteosynthesis as the first method of confrontation. Results: We changed the method of treatment in 8 patients from external to internal fixation and concerned higher ages patients. In all the others in regular time intervals we realised corrections of axis of crural. In 9 patients of age from 16 to 18 years, the callus formation was found in 5 months with most excellent mobility of adjacent articulations. In three patients we had problems with the union, who was realised in the 7th month, with enough problems from the knee, which were restored after long-lasting physioterapy. In three patients we had pin track infection. Conclusions: The external osteosynthesis is a method of provisional stabilisation of femur’s fractures, which offers solution in polytrauma patients protecting them from direct complications. In the young adolescents it is possible to constitute also the final treatment, while for higher ages it is not recommended as a final treatment.