ABSTRACT
Background: Distal femoral fractures very difficult to manage are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Internal fixation is the choice of treatment in supracondylar fractures (AO type–A). Retrograde supracondylar nail has shown to give one of the best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, return to work and the functional outcome.
Patient & method: This retrospective study included 20 patients with supracondylar fracture of distal femur post trauma undergoing retrograde femoral nail surgery in orthopedic Zagazig University Hospitals, and evaluated clinically and radiologically by Neer's score.
Results : The patients were followed up clinical and radiological according to neers score was (50.0%) had excellent , (40.0%) had good and (10.0%) had fair outcome. the time to start complete weight bearing in the study group ranged from (10 to 24) weeks , most of the study group (35%) needed fourteen weeks for complete weight bearing, (20.0%) needed sixty and twelve weeks and 1 (5.0%) case had delayed complete weight bearing. Of all 20 patient 12 cases (60.0%) were with no complication, (10.0%) had pain, (10.0%) had superficial infection, (5%) experienced 1 cm shortening, (5%) experienced 2 cm shortening (5%) experienced delayed union and (5%) mal-alignment.
Conclusion
Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a good fixation system for supracondylar femur fractures with less operative time,less blood loss, not disturbing fracture hematoma , less soft tissue dissection and thus reducing complications. Early surgery, early post-operative knee mobilization are essential for good union and good knee range of motion