[The use of Wagner's external fixator in the treatment of septic fractures of the femoral shaft (author's transl)].

The authors have treated 10 cases of septic fracture of the femoral shaft by the following technique. In the first stage, necrotic and infected tissues were excised at the fracture site including soft tissue and bone. The importance of a large excision is emphasised. The fracture was then immobilised by an external fixator. In the second stage, the shaft was reconstructed by grafting using bone chips and sometimes massive cancellous bone autografts. The fixators were left until solid bone union had been achieved. 9 excellent results were observed. In one case, the bone refractured with recurrence of sepsis.