Zickel Supracondylar System for Elderly Patients with Femoral Supracondylar Fractures

Abstract

Because internal fixation of femoral Supracondylar fractures is difficult, conservative treatment with traction or casts has been recommended. But there are some surgical indications such as displaced intra-articular fractures, failure to maintain acceptable alignment with traction or casts, and fractures in elderly patients who cannot be confined to bed.
The Zickel supracondylar system is an intramedullary fixation device for femoral supracondylar fractures and can be performed as a closed method. Between 1986 and 1991, ten patients whose ages ranged from 20 to 86 years old were operated and successfully treated in our hospital by this method. This method is useful especially for elderly patients who can have some general complications because it is technically easy and non-invasive.