The long-term follow-up of ipsilateral tibial and femoral diaphyseal fractures.

Twenty-nine of 45 patients who had ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures were evaluated clinically and roentgenographically to correlate treatment method with bony alignment and functional outcome. The results included: (1) limitation of sports activities in patients whose knee ligaments were injured, followed by both instability and thigh atrophy; (2) a direct relationship between the postunion malalignment of the tibia and ankle motion; and (3) a high rate of life threatening complications (thromboembolic, pneumonia, death) and a slower rate of tibial union associated with treatment by closed methods.