FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISTAL FEMORAL FRACTURES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Background: Fractures of distal end of femur are complex injuries which are difficult to manage. These fractures often are unstable and comminuted. Despite advances in surgical techniques and improvement in implants, treatment of distal femoral fractures remains a challenge in many situations. This study was done to analyse the functional outcome and this management of distal femoral fractures.

Material & Methods: This study has been done between August 2008 to March 2010 on patients coming to Orthopaedics Department at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Center, Bhilai. It is a prospective study which includes 25 patients with 10 Type A, 7 Type B and 8 Type C fractures of distal femur after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Mean age of 47.08 years with sex incidence of 3.17:1(M:F). Mode of injury was RTA in 16, simple fall in 6, fall from height in 2 and railway track accident in 1 patient. There were 5-A1, 1-A2, 4-A3, 3-B1, 1-B2, 3-B3, 1-C1, 4-C2 and 3-C3 fractures. Results were found to be excellent in 17, good in 1, moderate in 3 and poor in 4 patients.

Conclusion: We conclude that minimally invasive surgical techniques and with the availability of locking type of plates distal femoral fractures can now be dealt with more precessions and more satisfactory results can be produced.

Keywords: Distal fractures, Muller Classification, Management, Femoral fractures