Arthropathy of knee resulted from angulated healing of long bone shaft fracture at lower limbs: report of 12 cases / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the causes and treatment of angulated healing of long bone shaft fracture at lower limbs. Methods 12 cases of patients with the angulated healing of femoral and tibiofibular fractures were treated surgically in our hospital. In the operation, the plane and angle of the osteotomy were designed according to the specific angulation to restore the normal vertical alignment of the knee joint so that traumatic arthropathy of the knee could be treated or prevented. Results All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 12 years (averaging 66 months). Their lameness was greatly improved, the pain at their knee joints was relieved, and the occurrence or development of the arthropathy were obviously delayed. Conclusions When the angulation of healed long bone shaft fracture at lower limbs exceeds the physical weight bearing line, the condition should be treated surgically. The corrected angulation can delay the occurrence and development of arthritis at the knee. Moreover, corrected angulation and restored alignment is a good method to treat arthropathy of the knee joint.