Prospective study of functional outcome of distal femur fracture managed by distal femur nailing

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The purpose of the present study was to assess the functional outcome of distal third femur fracture managed by retrograde intramedullary nailing.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 25 patients with closed distal third femur fracture were enrolled in the study satisfying the inclusion criteria and underwent surgical management with distal femur nailing. Follow up of all the patients was done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The functional outcome of all the operated patients was evaluated by using Lysholm knee scoring system.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In present study 25 cases underwent surgical management with distal femur nailing. After the clinical sign and radiological sign of union, cases were trained with active and passive joint mobilization exercises and functional outcome was evaluated by Lysholm knee scoring system (component-limp, support, pain, instability, locking, swelling, stair climbing, and squatting). The scores were further graded as excellent (>90), good (84-90), fair (65-83) and poor (<65). Out of 25 patient, functional outcome was excellent in 13 (52%), good in 4(13%), fair in 6 (24%) and poor in 2 (8%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The retrograde intramedullary nailing can be considered as a successful, safe reliable, effective and useful technique which should find a place in the armamentarium of every orthop<strong>a</strong>edic surgeon who deals with distal third femoral fractures.</p>