Title: Study of Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Ipsilateral Femur and Tibia Fractures (Floating Knee)

Authors: Dr Sonu Thankachan, Dr Jagajeev JR, Dr Sabarisree M

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i6.27

Abstract

Aim and objective of study was to assess functional outcome of surgical management of patients having ipsilateral tibia and femur fracture using Karlstrom and Oleruds criteria. Secondary objective of the study was to identify factors affecting the eventual functional outcome of ipsilateral tibia and femur fracture.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 23 patients, who had undergone surgical treatment, for a period of one year after IEC approval.

Results: In 43% patients there was no restriction of knee movements, in 35%   there was about less than 20 degree of knee movements and 18% had moderate limitation (20-40degree) of knee movement. One patient had severe restriction of knee movement. The outcome was poor in intra articular fractures and comminuted fractures and excellent in patients who had primary fixation with intra medullary nails.

Conclusion: Internal fixation of floating knee with intramedullary nails followed by early mobilization give better functional outcome, though the results are poor in intra articular fractures.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Jagajeev JR

Addl. Professor, Dept of Orthopaedics, Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvanathapuram, India