Operative stabilization of supracondylar femur fractures above total knee arthroplasty: A comparison of four treatment methods

Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur above a total knee arthroplasty present a challenging surgical problem for orthopedic surgeons. Numerous operative and nonoperative treatment options exist including casting, Rush rods, supracondylar nails, and plate fixation. Potentially significant comp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of arthroplasty 2003, Vol.18 (7), p.834-839
Main Authors: Althausen, Peter L, Lee, Mark A, Finkemeier, Christopher G, Meehan, John P, Rodrigo, Juan J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee - adverse effects
External Fixators
Female
Femoral Fractures - etiology
Femoral Fractures - surgery
Fracture Fixation - methods
Humans
less-invasive stabilization system
Male
Middle Aged
minimally invasive percutaneous plate fixation
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods
percutaneous plating
periprosthetic fractures
Prosthesis Failure
total knee arthroplasty
Treatment Outcome
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Description
Summary:Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur above a total knee arthroplasty present a challenging surgical problem for orthopedic surgeons. Numerous operative and nonoperative treatment options exist including casting, Rush rods, supracondylar nails, and plate fixation. Potentially significant complications are associated with all current treatment alternatives. Plate or nail constructs frequently achieve limited distal fixation, leading to loss of fixation and varus angulation. This complication was not observed with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS). In addition, our early results demonstrate the superiority of LISS treatment with low infection rates, no requirement for acute bone grafting, and secure fixation allowing for immediate postoperative mobilization. LISS fixation may offer a superior surgical treatment option for periprosthetic distal femur fractures.
ISSN:0883-5403
1532-8406
DOI:10.1016/S0883-5403(03)00339-5