Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate accelerated bone healing in patients with femoral shaft fractures.
Methods Data on patients with diaphyseal femoral fractures admitted to our trauma unit between 1997 and 2002 was collected and analysed. Patients were categorised into three groups by the presence or absence of head injury, and the reamed or undreamed nailing technique used. Severity of head injury was quantified using abbreviated injury score (AIS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Time to bony union was assessed from serial of x-rays and clinical examination.
Patients were followed to discharge in outpatient clinics until bony union.
Results Group 1 ( Patients with head injury)
In total 17 patients (14 male, 3 female)
mean age 29.4(14–53)
open fractures 2
Mean AIS 3.2 (2–5)
Fracture treatment was reamed femoral nail
Bony union 10.5(6–22)weeks
Group 2 ( Patients without head injury)
Intotal 25 patients(19 male, 6 female)
Mean age 32(16–81)
Open fractures 2
Fracture treatment was reamed femoral nail
Bony union 20.5(14–32)weeks
Group 3 ( Patients without head injury)
In total 24 patients(18 male, 6 female)
Mean age 47(17–83)
Open fractures 2
Fracture treatment was unreamed femoral nail
Bony union 26.9 (21–32) weeks
Conclusion This study supports rapid bone union in the presence of head injury. Further research is indicated to provide a definate answer, specially mesenchymal cell and their control pathways which could allow further development of their potential therapeutic uses.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
