A Clinical Observation on the Supracondylar Fractures of the Femur

Kang, Chi Joong; Oh, Sang Kean; You, Jae Won; Lee, Hak Bong

Abstract

The fractures of the supracondylar region of the femur are difficult to manage because of the wide range of potential complications. In the past, conservative treatment was considered superior to internal fixation of the supracondylar fractures of the femur in adults. Recently the new fixation devices and techniques were developed. After then, the accurate anatomical reduction, rigid internal fixation, and early ambulation have more improved results of the treatments than the past. However the management of supracondylar fractures of the femur remains controversial. The following clinical results was shown by analysis of 48 cases of supracondylar fractures of the femur treated in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chosun University Hospital during the past 6 years from Jan. 1979 to Dec. 1984. 1. The ratio between males and females was 3: 1, and the most case was active age. 2. The most common casue of injury was traffic accident(32 cases). 3. A classification of supracondylar fractures was divided according to Schatzker's classification, and the most common type was type II (20 cases). 4. In the methods of treatment, surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation was used for 32 cases, the conservative management by using skeletal traction for 16 cases. 5. The satisfactory result of surgical treatment was 60% and conservative treatment was 43.7% respectively. 6. The most common complication was the ankylosis of the knee joint.