Retrograde nailing versus fixed-angle blade plating for supracondylar femoral fractures: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A variety of devices have been used in the treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures. The condylar blade plate relies on the principles of open reduction, absolute stability and interfragmentary compression to achieve union. The technique of retrograde nailing uses indirect reduction of the metaphyseal fracture component, offering relative stability and a less invasive approach. Randomized comparison of these common methods of fixation has not been reported. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with 23 supracondylar femur fractures were recruited from two regional trauma centres over a 26-month period and randomized to receive either a retrograde intramedullary nail fixation (IM group, 12 fractures) or a fixed-angle blade plate fixation (BP group, 11 fractures). The groups were followed for 12-36 months. The primary outcome measures were revision surgery and general health. RESULTS: Three patients in the IM group required revision surgery for the removal of implant components. No reoperations occurred in the BP group. There was a trend towards greater pain in the IM group, although there was no statistically significant difference in the scores for any of the SF-36 domains. CONCLUSION: Both distal femoral nailing and blade plating give good outcomes. There is a trend for patients undergoing retrograde nailing to complain of more pain and to require revision surgery for removal of implants.