Comparison of Outcome with RNVL Compressive Plating in the Treatment of Extra Articular Supracondylar Femur Fractures

Abstract

Objective: To compare outcome of retrograde nailing versus locked compressive plating in the treatment of extra articular supracondylar femur fractures. Study Design: A randomized prospective trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ghurki Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from January 2020 to November 2021. Methodology: A total of 160 (80 in each group) patients aged between 18 to 50 years of both genders with extra articular supracondylar femur fractures were randomized into either retrograde nailing group (Group-A) or locked compressive plating (Group-B). Surgery time and functional outcome were compared in both groups. Demographic characteristics along with mean surgery time and functional outcomes were compared between both study groups. Results: In a total of 160 patients, mean age was 33.57±9.45 years. The mean age in Group-A was 33.24±8.61 years and in Group-B 33.90±10.26 years. In group-A, there were 49 (61.25%) male and 31 (38.75%) female cases while in group-B there were 56 (70%) male and 24 (30%) female cases. The mean surgery time in group-A was significantly less as compared to group-B (83.29±7.48 minutes vs. 106.62 ± 7.69 minutes, p<0.01). The frequency of excellent to good outcome was statistically higher in Group-A as compared to Group-B (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Retrograde nailing gave better results in the treatment of extra articular supracondylar femur fractures when compared with locked compressive plating. Retrograde nailing can be opted to reduce the surgery time and gain better functional outcome. Keywords: Femur fracture, nailing, plating, surgery time, functional outcome