Definitive treatment of femoral shaft fractures: Comparison between anterograde intramedullary nailing and monoaxial external fixation

Background: Femoral shaft fractures result from high-energy trauma. Despite intramedullary nailing (IMN) representing the gold standard option of treatment, external fixation (EF) can be used temporarily for damage control or definitively. The purpose of this study is to compare two different options, anterograde IMN and monoaxial EF, for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures. Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2014, patients with femoral shaft fractures operated on in two centers were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: the IMN group (n = 74), and the EF group (n = 73). For each group, sex; laterality; age; and AO classification type mean follow-up, mean union time, and complications were reported. Results: Both groups were found to have no statistical differences (p > 0.05) in sex, laterality, age, and AO classification types. In the IMN group the average surgery duration was 79.7 minutes (range 45–130). The average time for bone union was 26.9 weeks. Major complications occurred in 4 (5.4%) patients. In the EF group the average follow-up duration was 59.8 months (range 28–160). The average time for bone union was 24.0 weeks. Major complications occurred in 16 (21.9%) patients. Conclusions: IMN is the gold standard for definitive treatment of femoral shaft fractures. In patients with severe associated injuries, EF should be a good alternative.