Functional outcome of patients presenting with isolated medial condyle fractures of femur in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Isolated medial condyle fractures of the femur with an intact lateral condyle are a rare entity. These fractures require prompt diagnosis and anatomical restoration of joint surface to prevent post traumatic arthritis. Till date no suitable implant is available for fixation of these fractures. In this study we have used 4.5 recon plates and CC screws to fix these fractures. We aim to study the functional outcome of these fractures in a group of patients fixed with the above implants. The study was conducted in a group of patients presenting with isolated medial condyle fractures of femur in a tertiary care hospital. An ORIF was done and fractures were fixed with recon plates and lag screws and various parameters were evaluated such as range of motion of knee, average time to weight bearing, Lysholm knee scores, pain perception etc 20 patients were evaluated in the age group of 20-70 in a 5 year period. Majority of the patients had a very good functional range of motion of the knee and nearly 75% achieved union by 12-16 weeks. 70% of the patients had a low VAS score. Overall early diagnosis and prompt anatomical restoration of joint surface in isolated medial condyle fractures of femur led to favourable range of motion of knee, early radiological healing and low VAS score.