Fractures of the femoral shaft in children treated with an AO-compression plate

Thirteen femoral shaft fractures in 12 children aged 0-15 years were each treated with an AO-compression plate. The mean age at operation was 11 (6-14) years, and all the patients were followed until closure of the growth plates. No deep infections occurred, and all the fractures healed without angulation of rotation. The mean overgrowth was 7 (-9-25) mm. All the patients had unrestricted movement in the hip and knee, and had no complaints at the follow-up examinations. We conclude that plate osteosynthesis of femoral shaft fractures in children is a safe and reliable method for internal fixation when use of traction is not possible.