Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiologic aspects and evaluate the therapeutic results, of 20 distal femur fractures managed at Brazzaville Teaching Hospital.
Method: This is a retrospective study including 20 patients with distal femur fractures treated between 2012 and 2016. Nineteen patients totalizing 20 fractures were selected. We studied the epidemiologic aspects and evaluated the outcome of all the management methods applied according to the 1988 SOFCOT round table.
Results: The study population was composed of 11 males and 8 females. Their age ranged from 18 to 75 (mean 38). Seventeen patients were managed by osteosynthesis and two with trans-calcaneal traction (orthopaedic approach). After 12 months bone consolidation was observed in all the patients. The articular amplitude of the knee was normal in 10 patients. We noted knee stiffness with articular amplitude ranging from 30° to 90° in 7 patients after surgery and 2 cases with a flexion inferior to 30° after orthopaedic management. According to the 1988 SOFCOT round table, results were considered excellent in 9 patients, good in 4 patients satisfactory in 1 patient and poor in 5 patients.
Conclusion: Fractures of the distal femur represent a functional issue that needs to be dealt in order to restore excellent knee function and good quality of the walk or movements. The acquisition of a sophisticated technical platform and the improvement of the management of these lesions could allow exclusivity to surgical treatment and perfect functional results
