[Distal femoral fractures treated by external fixation with Orthofix]

In the period from November 1987 to March 1990 17 supracondylar femoral fractures were treated a.m. Orthofix at the orthopaedic departments in Roskilde and Køge, Denmark. The fractures were classified according to Müller et al. There were 13 in group 2A and four in group 3A. In 16 cases the fractures occurred after minimal trauma. Time of operation was 55 minutes (30-150). The patients were fully mobilized after 16 days. The dynamizising procedure took place after six weeks, and the fixator was removed when the fracture was healed after 11 weeks. According to Neer's scoring system the results were good or excellent in 12 cases, and fair on one case. In all patients we found solid bony union. In seven cases we found pin infection. It was not necessary to operate because of the infection in any of these cases. Four cases were complicated with dislocation of the fracture because of bad locking at the ball joint of the fixator. We find this method easy to use in contrast to traditional osteosynthesis. The patients are quickly mobilized. It is easy to correct the fracture and the method gives solid bony healing.