An Unusual Case of “Locking” of the Knee Four Years Post Fixation of an Open Supracondylar Femur Fracture

Abstract

The introduction of locking plate devices have increased the number of viable options for fracture fixation. An understanding of the indications and contraindications and technique limitations are important to minimise associated adverse events. We report the case of a patient who presented with a single broken screw head four years following fixation of a supracondylar femur fracture, resulting in symptoms of migratory knee pain and locking. He underwent implant and foreign body removal and made an unremarkable recovery postoperatively. With the increasing use of locking plate devices, we are likely to see more such complications.

Keywords

• bone plates
• bone screws
• fractures