Fractures of femoral medial condyle treated with contralateral less invasive stabilization system through a medial-posterior approach

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of contralateral less invasive stabilization system (LISS) through a medial-posterior approach for fractures of femoral medial condyle. Methods From December 2010 to December 2014, 14 patients with fracture of femoral medial condyle were treated surgically at our department. They were 10 males and 4 females, aged from 33 to 64 years (average, 44.6 years). By AO classification, 10 cases were type 33-B2 and 4 cases type 33-B3. Causes of injury included traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 6 and heavy object crush in one. Internals from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 10 days (average, 5.4 days). All the patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with contralateral LISS plate or T plate through a knee medial posterior approach. Results The 14 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months (average, 18 months). All fractures got bony healing after 3 to 5 months (average, 3.5 months). No collapse of joint surface, joint stiffness, joint infection, malunion or nonunion occurred. According to the Schatzker-Lambert criteria for functional recovery of the distal femoral fractures, the function of the affected knee was assessed at the last follow-up as excellent in 9 cases, good in 3, fair in one and poor in one. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation with contralateral LISS plate through a medial-posterior approach is effective for fractures of femoral medial condyle due to its strong buttress, rigid fixation, advantage for early functional exercise, and satisfactory therapeutic outcome. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone plates; Posterior median approach