Subtrochanteric and Distal Femur Fractures in a Patient with Femoral Shaft Fracture Malunion and Knee Disarticulation: A Rare and Challenging Case Report

Abstract

This study aims to describe a rare and challenging case of a patient who presented ipsilateral subtrochanteric and distal femur fractures due to low‑energy trauma. The peculiarity of this case is the presence of femoral shaft fracture malunion and knee disarticulation in the same limb resulting from an accident suffered 30 years ago. The patient underwent femoral diaphyseal osteotomy and fixation of the subtrochanteric and distal femur fractures with a long cephalomedullary nail and distal femur locking plate, respectively. Despite the magnitude of the surgical procedure, all fractures healed, preserving the femoral length with the absence of infection and clinical complications. There was an improvement of the preinjury function attributed to the osteotomy of the femoral diaphyseal, which alleviated the anterior thigh discomfort.

Keywords: Amputation, Distal femur fracture, Femoral shaft fracture, Femur, Femur  fractures, Fracture fixation, Fracture malunion, Fractures, Intramedullary nail, Knee disarticulation,  Subtrochanteric fracture