PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF RETROGRADE SUPRACONDYLAR NAILING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUPRACONDYLAR AND DISTAL FEMORAL FRACTURES

Dr. Ashok Vidyarthi and *Dr. Amarendra B. Singh

ABSTRACT

Background: Due to the presence of soft tissue injury, intraarticular extension and injury to the extensor system, the distal third femoral fractures pose a great challenge in management. The debates among orthopedic surgeons on the choice of implant for distal third femoral fractures are ongoing. There is still debate as to the optimal device for distal femoral fixation. AIMS & Objectives: Using retrograde nailing techniques, to assess and compare the clinical and radiological results of distal third femoral fracture stabilisation. Method: Total of 11 participants underwent retrograde femoral nailing for the treatment of distal third femur fractures. They were followed up clinically and radiologically. Clinical assessment was made according to Neer knee scores and radiologically by Xrays. Result: 11 cases treated with distal femoral retrograde nailing were analysed. The results analyzed according to Neer knee scoring showed excellent in 5 cases (48.67%), good in 3 cases (34.51%), fair in 2 cases (9.73%) and poor in 1 case (7.07%). The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was 0.8 which favours a highly positive correlation between the fracture union and retrograde nailing. Conclusion: Retrograde distal femoral nailing for A O / ASIF type A and type C distal third femoral fractures are an established and effective fixation procedure. The study results prove that retrograde distal femoral nailing could be included as a reliable management plan for distal third femur fractures.

Keywords: Distal third femoral fractures; Supracondylar femur fracture, Supracondylar nail, Retrograde nail; Neer knee Score.