Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femoral Fractures: Minimally Invasive Locking Plate Versus Retrograde Femoral Nails

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare minimal invasive locking plate and retrograde intramedullary nailing in the treatment of supracondylar femur fracture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in respect of fracture healing, complications, and functional results. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 32 supracondylar femur fractures comprising 20 cases treated with minimal invasive locking plate fixation and 12 with retrograde femoral nailing. The two techniques were compared in respect of range of motion (ROM), functional scores, intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, and radiological examination findings. RESULTS: The mean functional scores did not differ between the nailing and plate fixation groups. In the minimal invasive locking plate group, 2 (10%) patients had delayed union, so revision surgery was applied. The mean post-operative ROM was comparable between two groups (86.2° vs. 86°). Reduction quality in the sagittal plane and maintenance of the initial reduction were better in the minimal invasive locking plate group. Greater shortening of the lower extremity was seen in the retrograde femoral nailing group than in the minimal invasive locking plate group (20.3 vs. 9.3 mm). Perioperative blood loss was greater (2 units vs. 1.2 units) and mean operating time was longer in the minimal invasive locking plate group (126.5 min vs. 102.2 min). CONCLUSION: In patients with good bone stock, supracondylar femur fracture following TKA can be treated successfully with retrograde nailing or minimal invasive locking plate. Retrograde femoral nailing has the advantage of less blood loss and a shorter operating time. Reduction quality may be improved with the minimal invasive locking plate fixation technique. Both surgery techniques can be successfully used by orthopedic surgeons taking a case-by-case approach.