Complications of surgically treated supracondylar fractures of the femur

Abstract

Surgical treatment of supracondylar fractures of the femur has become commonplace. A variety of surgical implants are available. In carefully chosen patients treated with appropriate surgical technique, early motion and good knee function can be obtained with open reduction and internal fixation. However, the morbidity (and mortality) are substantial following complications of open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fractures of the femur. We present a series of 30 consecutive patients referred to Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center for complications following open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar femur fractures. Three patients with septic pseudarthrosis underwent above-knee amputations. Two of these three patients died of systemic sepsis. Fourteen additional patients were treated for nonunions, with 13 patients achieving union at an average time of 36.5 months from the date of injury. Six patients underwent quadricepsplasties for residual knee stiffness. Only 16 patients were returned to their preinjury ambulatory status.