Clinical and functional outcomes of surgical management of distal femur fractures using distal femur locking compression plate

Abstract

Distal femur fractures are reported to be less than 1% of all fractures and between 4 to 6 percent of all femoral fractures. Knowledge of anatomy of articular block with trapezoidal shape on axial section and anterior bowing of femur shaft is critical for operative treatment of distal femur fractures. In this prospective study, distal femoral locking compression plate was used for surgical management of these fractures to evaluate the clinico-radiologic and functional outcomes. 40 patients having 41 distal femur fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using distal femur locking compression plate as per standard AO technique during period of July 2014 to September 2016. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Average time of union was 18.23 weeks. Complications seen were delayed union in 2 cases, plate bending in one case who had an episode of seizure, was reoperated & union achieved later on and implant breakage in one case. Superficial infection was seen in 2 cases. Results were found to be excellent in 70%, good in 15%, fair in 12.5% and poor in 2.5% of the patients.