title: Retrograde interlocked intramedullary nailing of supracondylar distal femur fractures in an average 76-year-old patient population.
abstract: Twenty-seven fractures of the distal femur in 27 adult patients were treated with retrograde, interlocked, intramedullary nails after intercondylar fracture extension had been reduced and treated with lag screws. Postoperatively, early mobilization exercises began immediately, but weight bearing was not allowed until clinical union was achieved, after which full weight bearing was permitted. Retrograde, interlocked, intramedullary nailing provides an excellent technique to establish union of supracondylar and distal femoral shaft fractures with a low complication rate and opportunity to regain knee motion in the mentally competent, motivated patient.
authors.affiliation: West Penn Orthopaedics, Clarion, PA 16214, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Milliren
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schrantz
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zeliger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors