Evolução clínica de pacientes operados por fraturas diafisárias do fêmur em um serviço especializado: Um estudo prospectivo Clinical evolution of the patients treated surgically for femoral shaft fractures in a specialized service: A prospective study

Introduction: Fractures of the diaphysis of the femur are usually associated with high energy trauma. Proper treatment of this condition requires knowledge of anatomical and functional features and plays an important role in prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of patients operated for femoral diaphyseal fractures over a period of five years in a referral center for orthopedic trauma. Methods: A prospective study in which we evaluated postoperative clinical parameters such as surgical complications, blood transfusion, hospital stay and consolidation in relation to preoperative conditions and surgical treatment performed. The surgical technique used locked intramedullary femoral nailing and the patients were followed for one year. Results: 29 patients were evaluated, and the primary mechanism of injury was traffic accidents (55.1%). There was evidence of a greater prevalence of poor consolidation (n = 6) and operative time in patients who required transoperative blood transfusion (n = 17). The consolidation rate was 89.7% with mean time of 151 ± 57. At the end of follow-up 79.3% of the cases were considered. Reintervention was required in 34.5% of the cases and the main complications were infection and unsatisfactory consolidation. There was one death during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The results found using locked medullary nailing were considered appropriate. Blood transfusion and longer operative time were associated with poor prognosis.