Management of Femoral Fractures

Description: Medscape Conference Coverage from Orthopaedic Trauma Association 16th Annual Meeting, October 12 - 14, 2000, San Antonio, Texas.
topics of discussion at the Orthopaedic Trauma Association 16th Annual Meeting associated with femoral fracture management included:
* How much bone loss can be tolerated in open femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing, and when should secondary intervention for these fractures be considered?
* What is the optimal method of restoring femoral length following fractures that have healed with shortened malunions?
* Does reamed femoral nailing lead to an increased risk of pulmonary complications in severely traumatized patients?
* Is fat embolism still a significant complication associated with reamed femoral nailing?
* Under what circumstances are standard methods of fixation with condylar screws and plates, blade plates, or intramedullary fixation precluded in the treatment of distal femoral fractures?