External fixation combined with minimal invasion internal fixation for complex diaphyses fracture combined with femur condyle fractures

Abstract

Objective To discuss external fixation method for the complex diaphyses fracture involving condyles of femur and evaluate its clinical efficacy.Methods A retrospective study was done on 42 patietns with comminuted femur diaphyses fracture combined with distal intra-articular fractures treated surgically from January 2001 to Janurary 2007.There were 24 males and 18 females at mean age of 33 years (20-66 years).According to AO/ASIF classification,there were 18 patients with type C2 fractures and 24 with type C3 ones.Simple internal fixation plus external fixation was performed on patitents with C3 fractures but only external fixation on those with C2 fractures.Four patients were treated with intramedular fixation.Results All patients were followed up for 1-12 months.According to Kotmert's assessment standard on function of proximal femur,the knee function was satisfactory in 35 patients (83% ) ,good in six (14% ) and unsatisfactory in one (2% ).Conclusions Minimally invasive external fixation can utmostly restore relative length of the femur and regulate between articular face of the femur and longitudinal axis of femur shaft to reach a symmetrical relation with middle and inferior part of opposite femur.Postoperative exercise is important for maximal recovery of the knee function.Attention should be paid to reconstruction of tubiform structure of the femur. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation; External fixators