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Supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty: treatment with a retrograde intramedullary nail

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Abstract

Total knee replacement surgery is occasionally complicated by a supracondylar periprosthetic fracture, and this presents a challenging problem in an often frail population. Multiple nonoperative and operative treatments have been described which have the aim of restoring the patient to their pre-injury status. This study retrospectively reviews the results of the largest series to date of 14 such fractures treated by retrograde intramedullary supracondylar nailing and is supportive of its continued use with good functional outcomes, low complication rates, and 100% fracture union.

Résumé

Les prothèses totales du genou peuvent être occasionnellement compliquées par une fracture supra condylienne. De nombreuses méthodes thérapeutiques ont été décrites avec le but de restaurer l’état des patients avant la fracture. Une étude rétrospective sur une très large série de 14 fractures traitées par clous intramédullaires rétrogrades ont permis de mettre en évidence un devenir fonctionnel et un taux de complications très bas ainsi qu’un taux de consolidation de 100%.

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Correspondence to M. P. Jackson.

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Chettiar, K., Jackson, M.P., Brewin, J. et al. Supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasty: treatment with a retrograde intramedullary nail. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 33, 981–985 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-008-0587-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-008-0587-y

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