Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Femur Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator. Case Series Study
Journal Title: Ortopedia Traumatologia Rehabilitacja - Year 2017, Vol 19, Issue 6
Abstract
Background. Distal femoral fractures constitute a type of lower limb injuries that is rare and difficult to treat. Despite advances in surgical technique and development of implants used for internal fixation of fracture fragments, the treatment continues to result in numerous complications. The Ilizarov External Fixator reduces the risk of complications and allows for bone union. Material and methods. Six men with distal femoral fractures resulting from multisite and multiorgan injuries were treated at the Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Traumatology of the Medical University of Warsaw between 2008 and 2016. Mean age of the patients was 42.6 years. Four of them were managed with the Ilizarov method as a primary treatment and two wore the apparatus as a second-line treatment following unsuccessful plate osteosynthesis. Results. Mean treatment duration with the Ilizarov apparatus was 29 weeks. Bone union was achieved in all patients. After the treatment, the patients ambulated unassisted, without orthopaedic aids. All patients returned to work. Conclusions. 1. The Ilizarov method allows for efficient fixation of comminuted distal femoral fractures, including C2 and C3 intra-articular fractures (AO/ASIF classification). 2. The use of the Ilizarov apparatus reduces soft tissue laceration, preserves blood supply to the bone fragments, and allows for easier skin care, which is particularly important in the case of open fractures. 3. Early rehabilitation with the patient fully loading the operated limb reduces muscle atrophy and stimulates bone union.
Authors and Affiliations
Łukasz Szelerski, Radosław Górski, Sławomir Żarek, Karol Mochocki, Paweł Małdyk
Keywords
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- EP ID EP255294
- DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0010.8071
- Views 66
- Downloads 0
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