TREATMENT OF PERIPROSTHETIC SUPRACONDYLAR FEMUR FRACTURES FOLLOWING A TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY – MINIMAL INVASIVE TECHNIQUE USING LOCKING CONDYLAR PLATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the minimal invasive treatment of the supracondylar periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty using locking condylar plate.

From January 2001 to June 2007, the 9 cases of the periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fracture were included in this study. The average age of the cases was 67 years old (range: 62–73 years old). The average duration of follow-up was 2year 1 months (range: 12–48 months). The implants of the index operation were posterior cruciate substitution implants without stem. According to the classification of Orthopedic Trauma Association, all cases were classified as 33A. All cases were treated using locking condylar plate. The fracture was extended into undersurface of the anterior flange of the femoral component. Locking condylar plate was fixed by the minimal invasive percutaneous technique. The average time of bone union was 5.4 months (range: 4–7 months) without additional bone graft. The average range of motion was 95 degrees and HSS (Hospital for Special surgery) score was 75 points in last follow-up. Femorotibial angle at the last follow-up was average valgus 5 degree.

Minimal invasive percutaneous fixation using locking condylar plate was useful to treat the periprosthetic femoral fracture which was alternative method to retrograde femoral nail.