Functional and radiological outcome following operative skeletal stabilisation with bone grafting in distal femur non-unions: a study of 21 patients

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The study was done to assess the functional and radiological outcome after operative skeletal stabilisation with bone grafting in 21 patients who presented to us with distal femur non-unions<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Between August 2008 and October 2015, 21 patients (M:F- 14:7) with established non-unions of the distal femur were included. All patients presented to us with established non-union following treatment with a native bone setter using splints. There were 16 patients with AO Type A, 4 with AO Type B and one patient with Type C. All patients underwent open reduction, internal fixation with plate and screws and bone grafting. Serial follow-ups were done at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 weeks and 6 monthly thereafter.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All 21 patients had complete fracture healing at average of 19 weeks (Range 16-24). Knee flexion (ROM) improved from an average 16® pre-op to 66® post-operatively. There were no implant failure, infection or non-unions in our study. The Knee Society score improved from 54 pre-operatively to 74 post-operatively at last follow-up<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Even in established non-unions, good results can be expected if good surgical technique is followed and with bone grafting satisfactory union rated can be achieved. Knee ROM also improves with dedicated postoperative rehabilitation<span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>