Ipsilateral hip and distal femoral fractures

We tried to find the trauma mechanism and treatment rationale of ipsilateral concomitant hip and distal femoral fractures involving the articular surface. Between 1988 and 1995, 15 cases of ipsilateral hip (confined to neck or trochanteric areas of the femur) and distal (confined to supra- and intercondylar area of the femur) femoral articular fractures were collected. The hip fractures consisted of 10 trochanteric fractures and five neck fractures, which were managed with reduction and fixation in 14 (Knowles' pin in eight, DHS in four and standard Gamma nail in two), and primary bipolar hemiarthroplastry in one. The distal femoral articular fractures were open in 11; these were managed with radical debridement, implantation of Septopal chains and immediate internal fixation, followed by prophylactic autogenous bone grafting 6 weeks later in the recent six cases (five Judet plates, four dynamic condylar screws and two condylar plates). The other four closed distal femoral fractures were managed with early reduction and internal fixation (two Judet plate, one dynamic condylar screw and one condylar plate). The union time was 20.3 (12-48) weeks for proximal fractures and 23.7 (12-36) weeks for distal fractures. Early infection developed in three cases, Nonunion of a femoral neck fracture developed in one case. The other complications were implant failure in one, coxa vara in one, refracture in one, delayed union in one and knee stiffness in one. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.