A clinical study of surgical management of distal femur fracture using locking compression plate

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Fractures of distal femur are common due to increased road traffic accidents and fall from height because of increased construction activities. These fractures are quite disabling hence, these fractures necessitate early stabilization of fractures. Internal fixation with LCP has shown to give one of the best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, and clinical outcome. The aim of the study the clinical outcome of treatment of distal femur fractures using locking compression plates.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of n=20 cases of distal femur fractures treated with LCP from December 2013 to June 2015 at NMCH and RC, Raichur. They were admitted and examined according to protocol clinically and radiologically. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and outcome assessed with Neer’s score.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> All fractures healed with an average duration of 16 weeks which is comparable with other studies. We had two cases of varus collapse one was due to early weight bearing in one case and other case is due to gross communition. One case had an implant failure (plate breakage) due to early weight bearing. Cases needing hardware revision is comparable to other studies at 10%. Average Neer's knee score was 76.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> we have found higher Neer’s scores in this study. The LCP also prevents compression of periosteal vessels. It may not completely solve the age-old problems associated with any fracture like non-union and malunion, but is a valuable technique in the management of these fractures. But however, in type C fractures the outcome is poorer.</p>