Treatment of Supracondylar-Intracondylar Fractures of the Femur Using the Dynamic Condylar Screw

Abstract

Forty-nine distal femur fractures were treated with the Dynamic Condylar Screw (DCS) between 1982 and 1985. The results in 35 fractures were reviewed in 32 patients with an average follow-up of 27.5 months. Functional results were graded using a stringent traumatic knee rating scale and Schatzker's criteria. The overall results were seen to be excellent to good in 71%, and excellent to good to fair in 83% of the cases. Using Müller's fracture classification, the less comminuted fractures were found to have better results than those with more comminution. Ease of insertion, the ability to obtain good fixation even in osteoporotic bone, and the capability of revising non-unions with a simple plate exchange are distinct advantages of the DCS over the 95° condylar blade plate. Medially placed iliac crest bone grafting should be performed if there is proximal extension of the fracture.