Cemented internal fixation for supracondylar femur fractures in osteoporotic patients.

Abstract

Seventeen, supracondylar femur fractures in 15 severely osteoporotic patients (average age, 81.9 years) were treated with a 95 degree supracondylar plate and dynamic compression screw supplemented with intramedullary methyl methacrylate and massive cancellous bone graft harvested from the distal femoral metaphysis. Interfragmentary compression and rigid fracture fixation was obtained in all cases with the use of the A-O compression device. Patients were allowed early protected weight bearing without external immobilization. At follow-up observation (average, 2.1 years), bony union was noted in all cases, and knee flexion averaged 100.4 degrees. There were no malunions or cases of implant failure. Complications included two early postoperative deaths and three femur fractures above the plate. This technique was effective in rapidly restoring patient mobility while avoiding the complications of implant failure.