SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURES OF THE FEMUR

Ninety-three supracondylar fractures of the femur treated with 95° angulated condylar plates were retrospectively evaluated. Seventy-one patients were males and 22 were females; ages ranged from 15 to 80 years (mean, 46.9 years). Seventy-two patients were involved in traffic accidents; 44 of them were victims of motorcycle accidents. Twenty patients sustained open fractures. Fifty patients had associated injuries, 41 of them had multiple fractures. There were 13 patients referred for management of complications. The followup periods ranged from 1 to 10 years (4.6 years). Seventy-nine patients had excellent/good results. Eighty-one patients achieved sound union. Stiffness of knee, nonunion, delayed union, and infection were the major complications. Careful selection of the patients, adherence to the principles of anatomic reduction and rigid fixation, and early mobilization are essential for satisfactory outcomes. © 1990 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.