SUPRACONDYLAR FRACTURE

Functional outcome of femur fixed with dynamic condylar screw

Abstract

Objective: Management of supracondylar femur fracture is complex. The
objective of this study was to assess the functional outcome of our patients managed with
dynamic condylar screw fixation. Methods: This descriptive case series was carried out in the
department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences / Civil Hospital Karachi
from 6th October, 2012 to 5th April, 2013.All the patients with Type A supracondylar fractures of
femur diagnosed clinically and radiologically presenting within two weeks of injury were
included. Patients with systemic injuries were excluded. Final functional outcome were assessed
by Schatzker and Lambert Criteria. Results: A total of 97 patients were included in this study. The
average age of the patients was 38.36±9.45 years (years + SD) and average duration of fracture
was 6.10 days. Male to female ratio was 2.03: 1. Two third of patients (67.01%) were injured by
road traffic accident, 28.87% suffered fall from height and 4.12% had slips. Acceptable outcome
(Excellent and Good) at three months was observed in 86.6% (84/97) patients while unfavorable
outcome (Moderate and poor) were observed in 13.4% (13/97) cases. Outcome was better in
patients below 50 years of age (p=0.0005). Conclusions: Dynamic condylar screw appeared to
be an easy, less technically demanding and effective method for stabilization of supracondylar
femur fractures. Younger age group (age <50yrs) had better functional outcome.