Treatment of supracondylar fractures following prosthetic arthroplasty of the knee.

Fifteen supracondylar fractures of the femur in patients with ipsilateral total knee arthroplasties were treated between 1975 and 1982. Three groups were identified for analyzation of treatment and end result. The average follow-up period after fracture was 18 months, with a range of ten to 48 months. Group I had four patients treated by closed reduction, cast immobilization, and early weight-bearing. At follow-up evaluation, three had a decrease in knee rating score, and one required a corrective osteotomy. Group II had eight patients treated by traction followed by cast or cast-brace immobilization. Four patients had a decrease in the knee rating because of malunion or loss of motion, and there was one nonunion requiring surgical treatment. Group III had three patients treated by immediate open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. All three groups had functional arthroplasties following union of the fracture. Closed reduction and skeletal traction are recommended for the initial treatment. Open reduction and internal fixation, when technically feasible, is recommended when closed reduction and skeletal traction cannot maintain satisfactory alignment.