To Evaluate Supracondylar Intramedullary Nailing In Supracondylar and Intercondylar Fracture of Femur in Adults - A Hospital Based Prospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives ABSTRACT Supracondylar and intercondylar femur fractures are fractures that involve the distal 15 cm of the femur including the distal femoral metaphysis ( supracondylar ) and articular surface of the distal femur ( intercondylar ) . The present study is undertaken to evaluate and explore supracondylar nailing in supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of femur with emphasis on a stable fixation with minimum exposure, early mobilization, less complications and a better quality of life. Methods The present One year prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum during the period of December 2008 to November 2008 on 15 patients with supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur. Outcome was assessed using Sanders 40 point Functional evaluation scale and radiological union. Patients were followed up at an interval of fourth week, third month and sixth month. Results Majority of the patients were in the age group of 31 to 60 years. Males were most commonly affected. Predominantly right side was involved and road traffic accident was the common mode of injury. The average duration of surgery was 100 minutes. The fractures united at an average of 14 weeks. There were two cases of delayed union. No cases of nonunion or malunion were noted. There was IX a functional outcome of 86% good to excellent results using Sanders 40 point Functional Evaluation Scale. There were all excellent ( 100% ) functional results in type A ( extra-articular ) fractures and 71.43% good with 28.57% fair results in type B, C1 and C2 ( intra-articular ) fractures in this study. Conclusion and interpretation Supracondylar intramedullary nailing in supracondylar and intercondylar femoral fractures makes “biological osteosynthesis” possible in these difficult and complex fractures with less operative time, minimal soft tissue stripping, minimal blood loss, decreased need for bone grafting and reasonably rigid fixation in osteoporotic bones.