Overdistraction of the fracture eases reduction in delayed femoral nailing: results of intraoperative force measurements.

Background: (Initial) primary external fixation of femoral shaft fractures followed by secondary intramedullary nailing is a concept of damage control orthopedics. We hypothesized that external fixation with overdistraction of the fracture might reduce reduction forces and shorten reduction time during the secondary nailing.

Methods: An experimental study on seven patients with eight fractures of the femoral shaft was conducted.

Forces and torques during fracture reduction: Intraoperative measurements in the femur.

Reduction is a crucial step in fracture treatment. We determined intraoperative peak forces and torques during fracture reduction in seven patients with eight fractures of the femoral shaft. All fractures were temporarily stabilized by external fixation.