Surgical Treatment of Comminuted Supracondylar and Intercondylar Fractures of the Femur in Adults Using the Extensile Approach

Kang, Chang Soo; Sohn, Sung Won; Oh, Sung Tae

Abstract

From January 1985, to June 1986, 7 cases in which supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur were treated at our orthopaedic department using the Extensile Approach for an anatomical reduction and firm internal fixstion, show successful results in follow up stuides. l. All 7 cases were type III fractures of Neers classification. 2. Among the 7 cases treated surgically using the Extensile Approach, 5 cases showed excellent and good results and the remaining 2 csses showed one fair and one failed results. 3. Probably due to the additional open proximal tibia and patella fracture and delayed surgery from trauma one case had a fair results. The case which failed wss due to ipsilsteral ligamentous injuries and a nerve injury in addition to the femur fracture and slso the impossibility of early knee joint exercise due to associated injuries. 4. None of the results of the 7 csses had any relationship with the patients age. 5. One case of postoperative skin necrosis developed around the tibial tuberosity and was treated successfully by a cross leg flap. 6. In comminuted supracondylar and intercondylar fractures of the femur, the Extensile Approach is thought to be an excellent surgical technique by means of a wide surgical field for an anatomical reduction and firm internal fixation with the repair of associated ligamentous injuries.