Mennen paraskeletal plate fixation for fracture of the femoral shaft in association with ipsilateral hip arthroplasty.

We reviewed the results of Mennen paraskeletal plate fixation in 14 patients with fracture of the femoral shaft in association with a previously successful ipsilateral hip arthroplasty. Overall good results were obtained with undisplaced fractures but some of the results in those individuals with widely displaced and unstable fractures were disappointing leading to some serious complications including amputation. The paraskeletal plate appears then to be no more than an internal splint and caution needs to be exercised when this device is used in this situation.