Complex or complicated fractures of the lower end of the femur treated by osteosynthesis with Strelitzia-type blade plates. Apropos of a continuous series of 46 cases
Asselineau, A.; Augereau, B.; Moinet, P.; Apoil, A.
Annales de Chirurgie 39(6): 357-365
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3944 PMID: 4073783 Document Number: 255739
The authors report the results of 46 comminuted or complicated fracturs of the distal end of the femur, treated by osteosynthesis using Strelitzia blade plates. Among the fractures, 39 were communuted, 15 open, 3 associated with vascular injuries and 5 with joint lesions. Deep infection developed in two cases. 43 fractures were reduced in an average of four months for closed fractures and of five months and ten days for open fractures. There were three non-unions, including one case of sepsis, 60 per cent of the fractures are still giving satisfactory results with a four year followup. The knee can be bent through over 120.degree. in 80 per cent of cases. Strelitzia blade plates allow anatomic reduction and good stabilization in 95 per cent of comminuted fractures. Open fractures can be treated in the same way provided that the plate is not exposed at the end of the operation. The plate provides an excellent cohesion between diaphysis and epiphysis in cases of metaphyseal comminuted fractures. Its use is less clearly indicated in the case of comminution of the outer cortex of the lateral condylus, when its use must be weighed against the aspects of traction and suspension. Finally, it may be useful in cases of associated vascular lesions, when it provides rapid union without impairing the mobility of the knee.