A study was done of ninety-eight patients who had supracondylar and
intercondylar fractures of the femur that were treated by the insertion of
Rush pins. A system of classification relating the type of fracture to the
method of Rush-pin fixation is described, and the importance of proper
surgical technique is emphasized. The patients were followed for periods
ranging from one to seventeen years (mean, 3.5 years) and 84 per cent of
them had either excellent or good results, as evaluated by both
radiographic and clinical examination. There were two non-unions and one
deep infection. Angulation at the fracture site, the development of
significant degenerative arthritis, and metal failure were not encountered.
Properly performed, the Rush-pin supracondylar technique offers enough
stability to allow early knee motion and has the advantages of both open
and closed techniques in managing this type of fracture of the femur.