Title: Functional Outcome of Supracondylar Fracture Femur Treated By Locked Compression Plating – A Prospective Study
Authors: Dr Biju S, Dr Sabarisree M
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i5.05
Abstract
Introduction: Supracondylar fractures of distal femur often are unstable and comminuted and tend to occur in elderly or multiply-injured patients. The incidence is highest in women older than 60 years and in men over 20 years age. Because of the proximity of these fractures to the knee joint, regaining full knee motion and function may be difficult. The incidence of mal union, nonunion, and infection are relatively high in many reported studies. This study is aimed to assess the functional outcome of supracondylar fracture femur treated by locked compression plate in an age group of 20-90 years.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 21 patients who underwent this procedure in Govt Medical College Hospital Thiruvananthapuram between 2008-2010. Majority of the patients were less than 60 years of age. Males constituted majority of the study subjects and Road traffic Accidents were found to be the major mode of injury. Results were evaluated LEM score and modified Knee score.
Results: All the cases were operated within 24 hours following fracture. Among the 21 patients, 16 (76.19%) had a LEM score of >81 and 14 (66.6%) had good to excellent knee score.
Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with Locked Compression Plating offers anatomical reduction of the intraarticular fragments, stable and rigid fixation, better soft tissue and bone healing. With regard to functional outcome, this procedure offers good results to the young and elderly who sustain supracondylar fracture femur.
