OBJECTIVEBiomechanical properties between retrograde nail and condylar buttress plate for supracondylar femoral fracture were tested and compared. The functional operative results were also followed and analyzed.

METHODS(1) Six fresh adult moist cadaveric femoral specimens were used to create femoral supracondylar fracture models. Six specimens were divided into two groups. Group 1 was fixed with retrograde locking intramedullary nail and group 2 with condylar buttress plate. All specimens undergone biomechanical test and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. (2) From August 1995 to December 2000, 36 cases (37 limbs) of femoral supracondylar fracture were included. The follow-up period ranged from 2.1 years to 7.5 years.

RESULTS(1) Biomechanical tests showed: The stiffness of the condylar buttress plate in resisting axial compression force was smaller than that of the retrograde locking intramedullary nail. condylar buttress plate showed larger stiffness in resisting bending force than the retrograde locking intramedullary nail. (2) Clinical outcomes: According to Neer rating system, the functional scores were excellent in 26 cases, good in 8, fair in 1 and poor in 2. The excellent-good rate was 91.9%. The excellent-good rate of plating cases was 94.7% and retrograde nail was 93.3%. ROM of the knee joint ranges from 60 degrees to 135 degrees , with an average of 110 degrees.

CONCLUSIONThe excellent or good outcomes of femoral supracondylar fracture could be obtained through the operative treatment. The fixation of the retrograde locking and condylar buttress plate have their own advantages in biomechanical properties.