Use of Ilizarov external fixation for a periprosthetic supracondylar femur fracture

Supracondylar femur fractures above a total knee replacement are rare injuries that may be challenging to treat. We present a case of an elderly woman whose supracondylar femur fracture was not deemed amenable to conventional treatment. This patient underwent fixation of her femur fracture above a total knee replacement using an Ilizarov external fixator. The fixator was removed at 10 weeks, at which time the fracture was solidly healed. At the most recent follow-up, the patient is 19 months postinjury. She is fully weight bearing without walking aids and has a knee range of motion of 0 degrees to 110 degrees.