Stabilisation of Supracondylar Fractures of the Femur in Paraplegic Patients by Osteosynthesis with Retrograde Reamed Nailing and Injectable Cement

Abstract

Supracondylar fractures of the femur are the most common fractures in paraplegic patients. These fractures are often low-energy injuries associated with osteoporosis and a lack of knee joint proprioception. Since 1995 we have been treating this fracture by means of minimally invasive retrograde intramedullary nailing. Between August 1995 and July 2000, 18 patients with 19 supracondylar femur fractures were treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing. After closed reduction under radiographic control, a Seligson nail was introduced after minimally invasive reaming. As complication we saw 3 repeated dislocations due to the distal interlocking screws breaking out in cases with a very short distal fragment. To avoid this complication, we prefer an osteosynthesis by nail and injectable, biodegradable cement in these cases. Between August and December 2000 we treated 3 patients successfully with this method. The mean knee movement after 10.3 months was 110 degrees.

Key words

Femur fracture - supracondylar - retrograde nailing - injectable cement - paraplegic

References

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