FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF ORIF OF DISTAL FEMUR FRACTURE WITH INTRA-ARTICULAR EXTENSION

BACKGROUND: Distal femur fractures with intra-articular extension are complex injuries which have been treated by different methods. The authors studied the functional outcome of management of distal femur fractures with the published literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distal femur fractures with intra-articular extension treated with open reduction and internal fixation during the period Jan 2011-dec 2012 at Govt. Medical College, Surat formed the study population. They were evaluated to assess their clinical and functional results using Neer's Scoring system and compared with the available literature. The results were analyzed using different parameters; male vs. female, age distribution, functional outcomes and complications etc. RESULTS: The results were excellent in 56%, good in 24%, fair in 12% and poor in 08%. Results were assessed and found to be excellent in majority of cases with mean knee flexion being 94.1degrees, mean fracture union time of 16.7 weeks, with mean full weight bearing duration of 13.92 weeks complications being knee stiffness (5), delayed union (6), infection (7), shortening (5) knee pain (15) CONCLUSION: Surgery in the form of ORIF is recommended for distal femur fractures with intra articular extension for good outcome and early mobilization with minimum preventable complications.