Ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia treated in a quadrilateral cast brace.

In 15 patients traction followed by cast brace was an acceptable method of treatment for ipsilateral fractures of the tibia and femur. Prolonged healing times and limited range of motion of the knee were not significant problems. This method of treatment is especially indicated in patients with severe open injuries or comminution of femoral shaft fractures which do not safely lend themselves to rigid internal fixation. The hospitalization time, 5 weeks, is considerably less than for spica cast treatment of femoral shaft fractures and is comparable to that reported for open reduction and rigid fixation of femoral shaft fractures.