A comparative study of functional outcome of extra articular distal femur fractures treated, with retrograde nailing versus locking compression plate

Abstract

Aim: To compare the functional outcome of supracondylar fractures of distal femur managed by Supracondylar nailing (retrograde) and locking femoral compression plate. Introduction: Before 1980, supracondylar fractures of the femur were treated with nonlocking plates. Plaster immobilization and traction were modes of treatment for non-operative patients. Nowadays, the knowledge of internal fixation has evolved as to treat complex fractures by cancellous screws, 95-degree blade plates, dynamic condylar screw and plate, condylar buttress plates, locking femoral compression plates and supracondylar nailing (retrograde). Trending procedures for supracondylar fractures of the femur are supracondylar nail (retrograde) and locking femoral compression plate. Materials and Methods: Totally 30 patients of extra-articular distal femur fractures treated in Rajah Mathai Medical College from May 2019 to June 2021. Patients were treated by random allocation as 15 patients by retrograde nailing and the other 15 patients by distal femur locking compression plate. Functional outcome was compared between them according to Neer’s Scoring System at 24 weeks. Results: In our study, the patients were screened up to 1 year. The assessment was based on both radiologically and clinical scoring. Neer's score was higher in nailing (54%) compared to plating (46%). Conclusion: From our study, nailing proved to have a good functional outcome in terms of early weight-bearing, knee flexion and less union time. Both nailing and plating have excellent results with proper preoperative planning.