Cast bracing for femoral shaft fractures.

The femoral cast-brace offers a new method of treatment for femoral shaft fractures. The cast-brace is especially well suited to fractures below the isthmus, although it can be used to treat those more proximal by giving special attention to detail. The method allows early knee motion without prolonged bed rest. Patients who should not be operated on for any medical reason or whose fracture is not amenable to surgery may be treated with the cast-brace. A series of patients with simple and complicated problems that have been treated with the cast-brace is presented. Comparisons between femoral cast-bracing, intramedullary nailing, and traction treatment are made.