A B S T R A C T BACKGROUND Supracondylar fractures with intercondylar extension of distal femur are often due to high energy trauma. Conservative line of management is obsolete because of associated complications. Varieties of treatment modalities are available and are challenging. Fixation with conventional methods are difficult. Intramedullary devices are also not suitable in such situation. Conventional unilateral knee spanning external fixators and hybrid fixators can cause problems like

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... e joint stiffness and the issue of bone loss is difficult to deal with. To address this problem, we used Ilizarov ring fixator in the management of comminuted supracondylar fractures with intercondylar extension of the distal femur (C2 and C3 Type according to AO/ASIF Classification). METHODS In our study in Osmania General Hospital, 20 patients with open fracture of distal femur were operated. The method used for fracture fixation was primary Ilizarov ring fixation. All cases were fresh, and were in the age group of 22 yrs. to 68 yrs. with the mean age of 45 years. The duration of follow up ranged from 3 months to 1 year. The results were assessed using Neer's Scoring System (Table-1) , with main emphasis on range of mobility of knee joint. RESULTS Among the 20 patients operated, 13 patients (65%) showed radiological union within 18 weeks. Six patients had developed pin tract infections. Average range of flexion achieved in our study in more than 50% of patients was 110 0 . In our study, we obtained Neer's knee score with an average of 76 (50-98) (satisfactory to excellent). CONCLUSIONS The Ilizarov technique allows early restoration of function of the limb which results in adequate stimulus for early soft tissue and bone healing. Proper understanding of the biological and biomechanical principles of the Ilizarov method and careful application give excellent results in almost all cases of open supra condylar fractures.