Description of new sign of integral (∫) for rotational deformity of distal femur.

PURPOSE

Femur shaft fractures commonly occur due to high velocity trauma and most of them are fixed with nailing. Malrotation is common after fixation. A rotational malalignment more than 30° is a deformity which requires correction. Various techniques described for rotational deformities are: the 'cable techniques' for the determination of varus-valgus malalignment; the 'hyperextension test', 'radiographic recurvatum sign', 'tibial plateau sign', and 'meterstick technique' for length analysis; and the 'hip rotation test', 'lesser trochanter shape sign', 'cortical step sign', and 'diameter difference sign' for rotational analysis. We describe integration sign at the medial or lateral aspect of notch of femur in fixed internal or external rotation due to condensation of trabeculae.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. Informed consent was taken, and this study was approved by institutional review board. C arm imaging study of 50 knees was done at our institution in which rotational profile of distal femur was analyzed In 3 different views -AP , Internal and external rotation views. The rotation views were taken sequentially and each observer was asked to identify the sign at its appearance and at rotation when it was best seen. All the observers were asked to draw the sign on linear line diagram of distal femur. The data was analysed statistically.

RESULTS

Sign of integral (∫) for rotational deformity was seen at Mean external rotation of  22±1.71 with a range of 19 degree to 25 degree and  Mean internal rotation of 15.78±1.21 with a range of 14 degree to 18 degree.

CONCLUSION

The integration sign can be used as intraoperative C arm sign to understand the rotational deformity of distal fragment of femur. This helps the surgeon to understand the alignment and revise if needed intraoperatively. If combined with position of lesser trochanter, this will give alignment for both proximal as well as distal fragment of femur.