Early versus delayed fixation of isolated closed femur fractures in an urban trauma center

The use of intramedullary rods is accepted as the gold standard for treatment of closed femur fractures. Early fixation of these fractures has been shown to be beneficial in the multiply-injured patient. This retrospective review was undertaken to examine the isolated femur fractures in an urban trauma center over a six-year period. Of the 76 patients included in the study, 42 underwent early fixation (less than 48 hours after injury) and 34 had delayed fixation (more than 48 hours after injury). There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Fixation performed within 48 hours did not seem to decrease morbidity when compared to fixation performed after 48 hours. Length of stay and hospital costs were increased with delayed fixation.