[External fixation with reconstruction rail system as a treatment for pseudoarthrosis of the distal femur]

Distal femur pseudoarthrosis also called «distal femur non-union» (DFNU) represents a rare complication associated with a fracture caused by high-energy trauma; its treatment is controversial, as there is a wide variety of surgical techniques that can be implemented, from open reduction plus internal fixation with plates, to the use of fixed angle plates combined with bone autograft. We expose the case of a 24-year-old man who shows up for consultation with the history of having presented a left femoral supracondylar fracture with a year of evolution, treated by osteosynthesis of the distal femur with dynamic condylar screws (DCS plate); developed a torpid evolution with severe pain in the distal third of the left thigh and functional limitation, developed a progressive varus deformity of the left thigh that caused a shortening of 3.8 cm of the limb. A focus of pseudoarthrosis was identified, which was surgically removed, the intramedullary canal was recanalized, and a lateral closed wedge osteotomy was performed to correct the angulation and allow reduction. 5.5 mm (three proximal and three distal) hydroxyapatite screws and an external fixator were placed. In addition, a review of the literature focused on the use of external fixation was carried out as a treatment for the pseudoarthrosis of the distal femur.