International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences

Anterior midline approach to distal femur fractures requiring dual plate fixation: A study of forty cases

2019, Volume 5 Issue 1

Anterior midline approach to distal femur fractures requiring dual plate fixation: A study of forty cases

Author(s): Parmar HP and Chavali VH
Abstract: Distal femur fractures usually require fixation on both medial and lateral surfaces. Various approaches have been used for fixation of such fractures but morbidity associated with commonly used approaches involving two incisions is high. The aim of this study was to assess the ease of exposure, feasibility of fixing the individual condyles and postoperative outcome using a single midline approach to the distal femur. A prospective study of 40 adult patients with fracture pattern 33A & C (AO system) operated through a single midline anterior incision was carried out during the period from May 2013 to April 2015. The patella was retracted either laterally or medially depending on the side of arthrotomy which was based on an articular comminution. Each condyle and its corresponding supracondylar ridge were fixed with an individual locking plate. Observations included intra-operative blood loss, surgical time and post-operative evaluation of wound healing & functional outcome. Results were favorable in terms of wound healing, functional outcome and feasibility to perform joint replacement through the same incision without any complications. Using a single midline incision with appropriate arthrotomy fixation on both lateral and medial surfaces of distal femur is possible in properly indicated fractures of distal femur.
Pages: 487-490  |  1511 Views  218 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Parmar HP, Chavali VH. Anterior midline approach to distal femur fractures requiring dual plate fixation: A study of forty cases. Int J Orthop Sci 2019;5(1):487-490. DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2019.v5.i1i.85
 
International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences
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