OBJECTIVETo discuss the reasons and the treatments for the femoral refracture.

METHODSFrom 2004 to 2008, 10 cases of femoral refracture after plate removal were selected and treated with open reduction and bone nail internal fixation, included 4 males and 6 females ranging from 19 to 48 years with an average age of 33 years old. According to Müller classification, there were 4 cases of type A, 3 of B, 3 of C. The skeletal tissues were taken for pathological analysis.

RESULTSTen patients were followed-up for 10 to 18 months (averaged 14 months). All wound healed at one stage,there were no complications. The fuction of lower limbs walking and weight loading werer recovered. Pathological section showed that part of the lamellar bone tissues were necrotic. The bone architectures were chaotic, micrangium blocked, Haversian canals were atrophy, new vessels and Haversian canals growed in necrotic bone. The tunnel in rigid bone and new Haversian system were formed. The structure was cutting cone. It was the process of new bone substitutting necrotic bone in bony remodeling.

CONCLUSIONThe internal fixation using ordinary plates overwhelmingly destroy blood circulation of bone and cause necrosis of bone. It can also effect bone remodeling and descent mechanical property. Refracture can readily happen after the plate removal. Treatment of open reduction and bone nail internal fixation can achieve excellent and good effect.