External fixation of compound femoral  shaft fractures in knee flexion position

Jaffer Jawad, Mohamed; A. Saadoon, Raed

	External fixation of compound femoral shaft fractures in knee flexion position
Mustansiriya Medical Journal
Article 1, Volume 14, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 35-39
Authors
Mohamed Jaffer Jawad; Raed A. Saadoon
Abstract
Background: Compound femoral shaft fracture (open fracture) are unsuitable to be treated by internal fixation primarily, in these situation external fixation is the treatment of choice. Aim of the study: The aim of this method (fixation of compound femoral shaft fractures using external fixators in knee flexion position) is to have a good range of knee movements immediately, post operation and later on, in comparism to classical method (external fixation in knee extension). Methods: The role of external fixation in the management of compound femoral shaft fractures is reviewed based on a study of 40 patients with compound femoral shaft fractures managed by an A O external fixator in extended knee position ( 20 patients during the period from 2003 – 2005 ) and knee flexion position ( 20 patients during the period from 2006 – 2009 ). Results: Results showed that those patients with fixation in knee flexion position have much better range of knee joint movements compared with those with knee extension position at time of fixation , without any significant differences in the of fracture healing between the 2 groups. Conclusion: External fixation of femoral fractures in knee flexion position give good range of knee motion in early and late follow up over fixation in knee extension.
Keywords
compound fracture; external fixation; knee flexion; knee extension

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