A review of fourteen patients treated for sepsis following intramedullary fixation of fractures of the femoral shaft is presented.
The management of these complicated fractures is discussed from the standpoint of antibiotics, rod fixation, drainage, sequestrectomy, and external support.
The results are evaluated with respect to union of the fracture, eradication of sepsis, and recovery of joint function.
A plea is made for the maintenance of rigid internal fixation, even in the face of seemingly disastrous infection, in order to achieve union of the fracture.