Implant Reconstruction of the Distal Femur: III—Expandable Prosthesis

Fractures of the supracondylar and intercondylar region of the distal femur usually result from high velocity injury that is uncommonly associated with violation of the integrity of the extensor mechanism. The consequences of missed quadriceps injury associated with a distal femur fracture are devastating. The present case report illustrates the importance of recognizing the rare association of quadriceps tear with distal femoral fractures, an appropriate surgical approach to repair the tear as well as fixation of fracture, and a protocol of postoperative rehabilitation to achieve a successful outcome.

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Supracondylar rotation osteotomy of the femur influences the coronal alignment of the ankle

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics ◽

10.1186/s40634-021-00340-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christian Konrads ◽

Marc-Daniel Ahrend ◽

Myriam R. Beyer ◽

Ulrich Stöckle ◽

Sufian S. Ahmad

Keyword(s):

Subtalar Joint ◽

Distal Femur ◽

External Rotation ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Orientation Angle ◽

Osteotomy Site ◽

Limb Alignment ◽

Coronal Alignment ◽

Rotational Osteotomy ◽

Rotation Osteotomy

Abstract Purpose Osteotomies represent well-established treatment-options for the redistribution of loads and forces within and around the knee-joint. Effects of these osteotomies on the remaining planes and adjacent joints are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a distal-femoral-rotation-osteotomy on the coronal alignment of the ankle. It was hypothesized that supracondylar-external-rotation-osteotomy of the distal femur leads to a change in the coronal orientation of the ankle joint. Methods Long-leg standing radiographs and CT-based torsional measurements of 27 patients undergoing supracondylar-rotational-osteotomy of the femur between 2012 and 2019 were obtained and utilized for the purpose of this study. Postoperative radiographs were obtained after union at the osteotomy-site. The hip-knee-ankle-angle (HKA), the mechanical-lateral-distal-femur-angle (mLDFA), and Tibia-Plafond-Horizontal-Orientation-Angle (TPHA) around the ankle were measured. Comparison between means was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney test. Results Twenty-seven patients with high femoral antetorsion (31.3° ± 4.0°) underwent supracondylar-external-rotation-osteotomy. The osteotomy led to a reduced antetorsion (17.4 ± 5.1; p < 0.001) and to a valgisation of the overall limb-alignment. The HKA decreased by 2.4° ± 1.4° (p < 0.001). The TPHA decreased by 2.6° (p < 0.001). Conclusions Supracondylar external rotation osteotomy of the femur leads to lateralization of the weight bearing line at the knee and ankle due to valgisation of the coronal limb alignment. The mobile subtalar joint has to compensate (inversion) for the resulting valgus orientation of the ankle to ensure contact between the foot and the floor. When planning a rotational osteotomy of the lower limb, this should be appreciated – especially in patients with a preexisting valgus alignment of the lower extremities or restricted mobility in the subtalar joint.

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