Abstract
External skeletal fixation for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in the spinal cord injury patient is simple to apply, provides good fracture immobilization, affords easy access to the limb for skin care, and permits significant patient mobility and early return to pre-fracture functional status. This paper presents the rationale for the use of, and the technique of application of, the Wagner leg lengthening device for the external skeletal fixation of femoral shaft fractures in the SCI patient.
Similar content being viewed by others
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Comarr, A E, Hutchinson, R H & Bors, E (1962). Extremity fractures of patients with spinal cord injuries. American Journal of Surgery, 103, 732–739.
Eichenholtz, S N (1963). Management of long bone fractures in paraplegic patients. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 45A(2), 299–310.
El Ghatit, A Z, Lamid, S & Flatley, T J (1981). Posterior splint for leg fractures in spinal cord injured patients. American Journal of Physical Medicine, 60(5), 239–242.
Freehafer, A A, Hazel, C M & Becker, C L (1981). Lower extremity fractures in patients with spinal cord injury. Paraplegia, 19, 367–372.
Green, S A (1981). Complications of External Skeletal Fixation. Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois.
McMaster, W C & Stauffer, E S (1975). The management of long bone fracture in the spinal cord injured patient. Clinical Orthopaedics, 112, 45–52.
Nottage, W M (1981). A review of long bone fractures in patients with spinal cord injuries. Clinical Orthopaedics, 155, 65–70.
Ragnarsson, K T & Sell, G H (1981). Lower extremity fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 62, 418–432.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baird, R., Kreitenberg, A. Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in the spinal cord injury patient using the wagner leg lengthening device. Spinal Cord 22, 366–372 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1984.59
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1984.59
