A CLINICAL STUDY OF DISTAL FEMORAL FRACTURES TREATED BY RETROGRADE FEMORAL NAILING BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL ADVANTAGES WITH REVIEW OF
Background: Distal femoral fractures with or without intra articular extension are often difficult to treat as they are usually associated with a high incidence of complications like knee stiffness, quadriceps wasting, knee instability, mal union, non union, joint incongruity, shortening and osteoarthritis. The management of these fractures by retrograde femoral nailing has the advantages of preservation of fracture hematoma, decreased blood loss, minimal soft tissue dissection, early mobilization and less postoperative complications. The present study aims to evaluate the results of distal femoral fractures treated by open/closed reduction and internal fixation using a retrograde femoral nail. Methods: 30 patients with distal femoral fractures were studied. Cases were selected on the basis of purposive sampling technique. Demographic details such as age, sex, occupation, pre fracture activity levels and type of fracture were recorded. All patients were treated by closed or open retrograde femoral nailing. Patients were followed up for 12 36 months and follow up data such as time to union, range of knee movements and complications were noted. Results: Assessment of final functional result was made using Lysholm Key words: Distal femoral fractures, Retrograde Femoral Nailing, Lysholm knee score Original Article