Retrograde intramedullary nailing of AO/OTA 33C femur fractures in patients with below-knee amputations: technical note and case series.
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol
; 34(4): 2073-2079, 2024 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38530503
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Intra-articular distal femur fractures in patients with a lower extremity amputation can present a technical challenge for the treating surgeon in what may be otherwise considered a routine procedure in non-amputees. Difficulties with positioning, fracture reduction, limb contractures, and stump osteoporosis can present challenges with treatment. Here, we describe the surgical technique and outcome of a case series of amputee patients with AO/OTA 33C femur fractures.METHODS:
Retrospective case series of five patients with a comminuted supracondylar distal femur fracture with intercondylar extension proximal to a below-knee amputation treated with retrograde intramedullary nail at a single Level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2023. Baseline demographic and clinical data were recorded. Rate of bony union and complications were documented.RESULTS:
Five patients (three females and two males) with a mean age of 48 years who were treated for a comminuted supracondylar distal femur fracture with intercondylar extension proximal to a below-knee amputation were identified. At the time of final follow-up (mean 109.3 days, range 29-183 days), all patients had healed their incisions and were progressing to return of function with their prosthesis. All patients were treated with the surgical technique described in this article, and no postoperative complications were reported.CONCLUSION:
This is an effective and safe technique for surgical treatment of comminuted intra-articular distal femur fractures in patients with an ipsilateral below-knee amputation. We believe that this technique can be utilized by any orthopedic surgeon taking trauma call and can avoid unnecessary transfers or delays to care.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Fractures, Comminuted
/
Femoral Fractures
/
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary
/
Amputation, Surgical
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States