Late positional correction of uniting femoral fractures using the Wagner external fixator.

ABSTRACT

The use of the Wagner leg lengthening external fixator is described in six patients with extensive segmental fractures of the femoral shaft. Good fixation of the fracture is combined with the facility for distraction and lengthening of the early reparative callus up to 10 weeks after injury. The method is recommended for those patients in whom shortening and malalignment of the fracture persist as union proceeds.