Modified swashbuckler approach in management of type C distal femoral fractures

BackgroundTo discuss the benefits and short-term clinical outcomes of using the modified swashbuckler approach for treating type C fractures of the distal femur.MethodsA retrospective study on 25 adult patients. Mean age was 58 years with type C distal femoral fractures; all were operated on with the modified swashbuckler approach to perform double plating for the fracture. Evaluation included union time, range of motion, functional scoring using Sander’s score, and complications.ResultsMean follow-up was 23.4 months. Time for union was a mean of 6.48 months. Mean sanders scoring system was 36.96. One case developed postoperative DVT and another case had superficial infection, both managed conservatively using medical treatment. None of our group of patients developed non-union or mal-union.ConclusionsThe modified swashbuckler approach is a good and reliable approach for managing fractures of the distal femur, allowing good visualization of the fracture with adequate reduction and rigid fixation, without BackgroundTo discuss the benefits and short-term clinical outcomes of using the modified swashbuckler approach for treating type C fractures of the distal femur.MethodsA retrospective study on 25 adult patients. Mean age was 58 years with type C distal femoral fractures; all were operated on with the modified swashbuckler approach to perform double plating for the fracture. Evaluation included union time, range of motion, functional scoring using Sander’s score, and complications.ResultsMean follow-up was 23.4 months. Time for union was a mean of 6.48 months. Mean sanders scoring system was 36.96. One case developed postoperative DVT and another case had superficial infection, both managed conservatively using medical treatment. None of our group of patients developed non-union or mal-union.ConclusionsThe modified swashbuckler approach is a good and reliable approach for managing fractures of the distal femur, allowing good visualization of the fracture with adequate reduction and rigid fixation, without affecting the extensor mechanism or the vascular blood supply and peripatellar anastomosis.