The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of fixation by using double plating technique versus replacement using distal femur tumor prothesis as a primary management for the distal femoral fractures in geriatric patients. The hypothesis was that the distal femoral replacement will yield better functional outcome and earlier rehabilitation and return to pre-injury level of activity.
Geriatric distal femoral fractures represent a major challenge for the orthopedic surgeons, to the present days still there is no definite algorithm or specific guidelines that can be used accurately in the management of these fractures. Unlike hip fractures however, there is no widely accepted treatment algorithm or standard of care. The surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures depends on both patient and fracture characteristics. Options include conservative treatment, open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nails, or recently distal femoral replacement. There is currently a move towards distal femoral replacement (DFR) for these complex fractures which has the potential benefit of allowing early weight bearing, and therefore aiming to prevent complications associated with immobility and non-union. Using distal femoral replacement had yield good results in small case series, as it allows immediate full weightbearing, eliminate the risk of nonunion and may provide greater satisfaction scores. However, DFR has its own risks, most notably deep infection, and loosening. While a DFR is more costly compared with fixation plates and nails, the initial increased cost may be outweighed by faster rehabilitation and return to the patient's usual place of residence. In the study, the investigators are aiming to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of fixation by using double plating technique versus replacement as a primary management for the geriatric distal femoral fractures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
open reduction and internal fixation by using lateral and medial plates.
excision of the distal part of femur and replacement with distal femoral prosthesis
Ain Shams University - Faculty of Medicine
Cairo, Egypt
change in Knee Society Score
the score has two-part, knee and function parts. The score is graded from 0 to 100 in each domain with 100 is the best outcome and 0 is the worst. The knee part assesses the range of motion, pain, and alignment of the joint while the function part assesses walking, stairs and usage of walking aids.
Time frame: 1 month, 6 month and 12 month
change in Knee range of motion
Assessment of range of motion of the knee which has normal range from 0 to 135
Time frame: 1 month and 12 month
Postoperative complications
Assessment of postoperative complications either early or late complications
Time frame: form first day to 12 month
Reoperation rate
Recording the need for secondary operation for a cause related to the fracture union, postoperative complications, or prothesis problems.
Time frame: form first day to 12 month
Operative time
Recording of the operative time from the time of incision to the time of skin closure
Time frame: At the operation
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