Twenty-five patients with non union femoral diaphyseal fractures treated with the wave plate method were retrospectively studied. Union was achieved in 24 patients (96%) in an average time of 5.32 months, ranging from three to seven months. We observed excellent and good results in 21 patients (84%) in the endpoint evaluation. This treatment approach didn't cause leg-length discrepancy. No rotational deviations were seen. The range of motion of hips and knees was not affected, although in four patients (16%) knee flexion restraint was found, but previously to the wave plate treatment. Two patients (8%) presented a deep infection during the treatment with the wave plate, recurrent to previous infectious process. Loosing plate occurred in the ninth post-operative in one patient (4%), although bone union has occurred. In another patient (4%) the wave plate has broken within 14 months postoperatively, leading to the replacement of the first wave plate to a new one with subsequent union. Nevertheless, method failure was considered. The wave plate is a treatment option for non-united femoral fractures due to its biomechanical properties favoring bone union, providing stability without jeopardizing blood intake, with biological synthesis characteristics.
Pseudoarthrosis; Bone Plates; Femoral fractures
