Analysis of Supracondylar Femur Fractures Treated with Retrograde Intramedullary Nail

Ram Reddy V; Dr Chandrashekhar Vemula

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

Analysis of Supracondylar Femur Fractures Treated with Retrograde Intramedullary Nail

Ram Reddy V, Dr Chandrashekhar Vemula

Abstract :

Introduction:Supracondylar femur fractures are one of the commonest fractures encountered in high velocity trauma which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This necessitates early stabilization of fractures. Internal fixation is the treatment of choice for supracondylar fractures (AO type–A). Retrograde supracondylar nail has shown to give one of the best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, return to work and the functional outcome.Methods: This study was conducted at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar from November 2015 to October 2017. 40 patients with supracondylar femur fracture were studied (AO type–A). Supracondylar femur fractures were treated by closed or open reduction and internal fixation withretrograde supracondylar nail inserted through inter–condylar notch. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiological for outcomes. All patients were followed up for an average of 12 months. Outcome was assessed using NEER�S Score. Results: In 38 cases closed reduction was possible while 2 required open reduction. Post–operatively all patients were started on continuous passive mobilization with early toe touch walking and gradually progressive weight be� with appearance of clinical and radiological signs of union. Evaluation was done according to the Neer�s rating system. 75% excellent results werefound. All fractures had a sound clinical and radiological union with an average radiological union time of 15.4 weeks and average full weight be� time was 14.5 weeks. Average knee flexion was 108⁰ with an extensor lag of 4⁰. In the present study, road traffic accident was observed to be the predominant cause of distal third femoral fractures in young patients.Conclusion: Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a good fixation system for supracondylar, extra– articular femur fractures because of less operative time,less blood loss, less soft tissue dissection. Distal screw related local symptom is acommon problem and is related to implant and technique and has a definite learning curve. Non–requirement of bone graft decreases the morbidity.