Evaluation of functional outcome in patients treated with locking compression plate for distal femur fractures

Abstract

Distal femur fractures are always a challenge to an orthopedic surgeon. They may be unstable and comminuted. Thin cortex, wide medullary canal, relative osteopenia and short distal segment adds to the complexity. The present study assessed the functional outcome of using locking compression plate fixation for fractures of distal end of femur in patients admitted to JMMC orthopedics department satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2017 to may 2019. Twenty cases were taken in this study. Serial follow up was done at 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks and functional outcome was assessed at the end of 24 weeks using NEERS criteria. 18 patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. 2 of the fractures were stabilized via MIPPO technique. No patients had implant failure and none of the cases were complicated by deep infection. 5 of the 20 patients had ‘Excellent’ Neers scores and 14 had ‘Good’ scores. Only one patient had ‘Fair’ score.
 Conclusion: Locking compression plate fixation is a safe procedure for supracondylar fractures of distal femur with good functional outcome.  It can be done on a routine basis with a minimum risk of complications.
  Keywords: Functional Outcome, LCP, Open Reduction Internal Fixation, Prospective Study, Supracondylar Fracture.