Distal Femoral Arthroplasty Versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Comminuted Osteoporotic Supracondylar Distal Femur Fractures

Authors

Paula Michelle Smith, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Orthopaedics

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to review the treatment of comminuted distal femur fractures and examine the risks and benefits of distal femoral replacement/arthroplasty for the treatment of complicated osteopenic supracondylar femur fractures.

Method: An OVID Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews literature search was conducted with search terms distal femur fracture, distal femoral replacement, osteoporosis, fixation, and functional outcomes. Thirty-five articles pertinent to the topic were retrieved. These articles serve as the basis for the clinical review portion of the paper. A patient representing the clinical question was selected for inclusion in the case study. Verbal consent was obtained, consistent with the guidelines from the Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants.

Results: There is a paucity of evidence-based literature to justify the use of distal femoral replacement/arthroplasty for the management of comminuted supracondylar distal femur fractures.^1-3

Conclusion: Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) has been used to treat distal femur fractures. The techniques of locked plating (with or without variable ankle construct), percutaneous fixation, and intramedullary nailing are well established for the treatment of fractures of the distal femur. The use of distal femoral replacement/arthroplasty (DFA) has been shown to decrease weight bearing limitations, decrease immobility, minimize the use of a brace, and maximize function following complicated fractures with osteoporosis. Further research is needed to identify the role of DFA for the treatment of comminuted distal femur fractures in the elderly population.²

Recommended Citation

Smith P. Distal Femoral Arthroplasty Versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Comminuted Osteoporotic Supracondylar Distal Femur Fractures. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(4).