Der Unfallchirurg
-
Primary intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures is well known to increase the risk of pulmonary complications, especially in multiple-trauma patients with severe thoracic injuries. Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of primary plate osteosynthesis of femur fractures on major complications after trauma. This retrospective study based on the records of 325 multiple trauma patients (Injury severity score ISS > 18, no lethal brain injury, age 16-65). ⋯ Primary plate-osteosynthesis of femur fractures did not increase lethality or incidence of pulmonary complications in patients with or without severe thoracic injuries. Also complication rate after primary plate-osteosynthesis was less compared to published results after intramedullary nailing. For this, primary plate-osteosynthesis is recommendable in case of multiple trauma with thoracic injuries.