Ipsilateral Fractures of the Femur and Tibia

Cho, Hyoun Oh; Kwak, Kyeong Duck; Cho, Sung Do; Ryoo, Cheol Soo; Oh, Jang Ho

Abstract

Concomitant ipsilateral femoral and tibial fractures are generally caused by high energy trauma with high incidence of associated injuries and complications. Twenty-seven cases of ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia in 25 adults from 1990 through 1994 were reviewed and the patients were grouped according to the type of fracture and the method of treatment. Nine femoral fractures(33%) and 19 tibial fractures(70%) were open. All but one femoral fractures and 23 tibial fractures were treated operatively with plate and screws, intramedullary nail and external fixator. Local complications include 14 delayed or non-onions, 3 deep infections, 1 compartment syndrome and 2 below-the-knee amputations. Over-all, a good or excellent functional result was achieved in 20 cases(74%). More use or rigid external fixation is recommended in the management of the tibial fracture, combined with internal fixation of the femoral fracture. Examination of the ipsilateral knee suggested that with the "floating knee injuries", disruption of ligaments is a common occurance and should always by suspected.