Dynamic Compression Plate: A useful procedure for sub-trochanteric femur fracture with osteopetrosis.

Abstract

Introduction: Osteopetrosis is an un common disease. It is of infantile and adult type. With adult type osteopetrosis, bones are vulnerable to fracture even with minimal injury. As there is increased bone density and small medullary canal, therefore, these fractures are challenging for orthopedic surgeons.
Objective: To evaluate the results of Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) for the fixation of sub-trochanteric fractures of femur with osteopetrosis in term of union malunion, non-union and post-operative infection.
Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Orthopedic surgery at Muhammad Medical College Mirpur Khas from March 2015 to February 2017. Patients, with sub-trochanteric fractures of femur having osteopetrosis, between the age of 20-60 years of either gender were included in this study. All fractures were fixed with DCP. Post-operatively patients were mobilized with crutches in 1st week, followed by partial weight bearing in 3rd week and full weight bearing in 6 weeks.
Results: Union of fractures occur in 98 %patients. Mal union in one patient and nonunion in one patient. Post-operative infection was observed in one patient.
Conclusion: This study shows management of sub trochanteric fractures of femur in patients with osteopetrosis are best treated with DCP with little or no complications.
Key words: Osteopetrosis, sub trochanteric fractures, DCP.