Management of open Supracondylar Fractures of Femur using the Ilizarov Method

Lee, Bum Ku; Moon, Do Hyun; Ko, Jin Hong; Lee, Soo Chan; Kang, Ki Dong; Park, Jong Seob

Abstract

It is extremely difficult to treat to the comminuted open fractures of supracondyle of femur Internal fixation with plates and screw or intramedullary nailing of open fracture is high risk of infection and circulatory compromising at the fracture site. External fixation reduces the risk of infection and permits easy access for wound care, early mobilizatioll of joints and weight bearing. We reviewed nine cases of open supracondylar fractures of femur treated with Ilizarov method from February 1993 to December 1995 and obtained the following results. 1. The average time of bony union was 2 weeks. According to AO classification, the average time of bony union was 22.7 weeks in type A and 29.3 weeks in type C. According to classification of Gustilo and Anderson, the average time of bony union was 21 weeks in type II,27.3 weeks in type Illa and 30 weeks in type IIIb. 2. The Neers criteria was based on the final functional and anatomical rating for supracondylar fracture of femur. According to this criteria, excellent was 1 case, satisfactory in 7 cases and unsatisfactory in 1 case. 3. The complications were divided into problem, obstacle and complication;Problem in 9 cases, bstacle in 5 cases and complication in 3 cases. We conculded the Ilizarov technique is a useful method in management of the severe comminuted fractures and extensive soft tissue injury of the supracondylar fractures of femur.