Open supracondylar femur fractures with bone loss in the polytraumatized patient - Timing is everything!

Introduction: Open supracondylar femur fractures are rare, complex injuries which occur in polytrauma patients and are complicated by bone loss, contamination, compromised soft tissues, and poor host condition. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a successful treatment protocol for these challenging injuries.

Methods: A consecutive series of 15 open supracondylar femur fractures in 14 polytrauma patients (ages 16-75, mean 41) were treated at one Level I trauma centre by a single surgeon.