Functional outcome of distal end femur fracture treated with locking compression plate

Abstract

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to assess the functional outcome of distal femur fracture treated with a locking compression plate. Materials and methods: The study was conducted from July 2019 to February 2021 at Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital with follow-up period of six months. 20 skeletal mature patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria with distal end femur fractures were surgically treated with distal femoral locking compressive plate using a direct lateral approach. The clinical assessment was conducted for at least a period of 6 months postoperatively using the oxford knee scoring system. Results: At six months of follow-up, 10 patients achieved range between 120 to 140°, 9 achieved between 100 to 120 and 1 had 95° flexion. In the present study, 18 out of 20 cases (90%) showed a radiological union at 3 months’ follow-up. 2 cases (10%) had radiological union at 6 months (24 weeks) of follow-up. In the present study, 85% of cases that is 17 of 20 cases had Oxford Knee Score of more than 41, 2 cases that is 10% had a score between 34 and 40, and only 1 had a score between 27 and 33. In the present study, 17 cases, i.e., 85% showed excellent functional outcome, while 2 cases showed good and 1 case had a fair outcome. Conclusion: The use of LCP in distal femoral fracture promotes early radiological union, good knee range of movement and early recovery when fracture fixation is done following all the basic principles of fracture fixation. Finally, it can be concluded that the use of LCP provides a good functional outcome for distal femur fractures, particularly in osteoporotic bones.