Treatment by Composite Fixation of Fractures in Osteoporotic Patients Aged over 60Years

Kim, Keun Woo; Kim, Yong Hoon; Min, Hak Jin; Yoon, Ui Seoung; Kim, Hee Oh; Ahn, Young Joon; Kim, Yoon Jong; Yoo, Ki Chan; Kim, Sang Rim

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study summarizes the satisfactory results obtained using a composite fixation method for the surgical treatment of long bone fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 10 cases of long bone fractures, that were treated by composite fixation, involving patients over 60 years of age that presented with radiological osteoporosis. Composite fixation was applied incorporating, traditional plate and screw fixation in conjunction with bone graft, plate or intramedullary bone cement at four cases of humeral shaft fractures, three cases of femur supracondylar fractures, two cases of femur shaft fractures, and one case of tibia shaft fracture. Results were evaluated in methods of ambulation, range of motion, bony union and complications.
RESULTS
Satisfactory ambulation and range of motion was observed in all cases, which showed bony union without early implant failure. No re-operation were necessary due to nonunion. No medical complication was noted.
CONCLUSION
The results shows that the composite fixation method provided a stable reduction and a rigid fixation, which facilitated bony union, and allowed elderly patients with osteoporosis an early range of motion and mobility after the surgical treatment of long bone fractures.