Assessment of efficacy of locking compression plate in distal femur fractures

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures account for an estimated 6% of all femur fractures. Our study aims at evaluating the functional and radiological outcome in distal femur fractures treated with locking compression plate (DF-LCP).Methods: Patients undergoing LCP were assessed postoperatively both functionally and radiologically. Oxford Knee Score was used to assess the functional outcome. With a maximum score of 48, a score of more than 41 is scaled as excellent, 34 to 40 as good functional status, 27 to 33 as fair and score less than 27 as poor functional result.Results: Extra-articular fractures were the commonest (66.7%) type of fractures [simple-6.7%; metaphyseal wedge-20%; metaphyseal complex-40%] followed by complete articular fractures (26.7%) [Simple articular metaphyseal comminution-16.7%; metaphyseal and intra-articular comminution-10%] and partial articular fractures (6.7%) [Medial condyle-3.3%; coronal plane-3.3%]. Most of them had right sided femur injury (66.7%) and had history of fall (70%). Radiologically, 90% exhibited no complications and had united appropriately. Functionally the mean oxford knee score was 41.53±1.69 which ranged from a score of 38 to a maximum of 44. Highest proportion i.e., 63.3% had excellent outcome followed by good functional outcome and none showed fair or poor outcomes.Conclusions: LCP has shown very good radiological and functional outcomes with hundred percent union of the distal femur fractures. Hence it can be used successfully in distal femur fractures.