Outcome of locking compression plate fixation of distal femoral fracture in adults: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures have always posed a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. Different implants and modalities of fixation have been developed over the years for management of these fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and clinical outcomes following fixation with LCP as the treatment for distal femoral fractures. Methods: In this prospective study, 30 patients with distal femur fracture were treated using distal femur locking plate at Department of Orthopaedics, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, during 2017 to 2019. Extra-articular fractures were fixed with minimal invasive technique without exposing the fracture site and intra-articular fractures were treated by open technique. Neer’s criteria was used for functional assessment. Results: In our series majority of the patients were males 24(80%), predominantly with AO type C fracture, 26(86.6%). RTA was the major mode of trauma 22(73.3%). Average injury-surgery interval was 3.16 days. Average union time was 17.34 weeks and average range of motion was 102 degrees. According to Neer’s criteria 17 patients had excellent results, 6 patients had good results, 3 patients had fair results and 4 patients had poor results. Conclusions: We conclude that this implant should be used in distal femur fractures especially in, fractures with articular extension and combination. Locking compression plate allows early weight bearing which is an additional advantage for good vocational, mental, social and physical health.