Functional outcome of distal femur fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures are one of the most frequent fractures seen in high-velocity trauma, and they are associated with substantial morbidity if not treated properly. Stiffness, secondary arthritis, shortening, and disturbance in the activity of daily living can occur as a result of this fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plates (LCPs) is the preferred treatment. The anatomic contoured LCP for the distal femur has been found to provide one of the best outcomes in terms of anatomical reduction with joint congruity, soft-tissue healing, fracture union, and functional ability. This study was done to evaluate the functional outcome of distal femur fractures managed with LCP. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with distal femur fractures were treated at our institute using LCP were analyzed for the outcome in terms of clinical, radiological union, and functional results. Results: Twenty-one patients were male and nine were female. The average age was 41.55 years with a range of 21–60 years. In 22 patients, cause of fracture was road traffic accidents and in eight were fall at various occasions. Twenty-one patients had right-side fractures. The average time for radiological union was 14.2 weeks. The average flexion of the knee was 107.16°. Functional outcome was assessed using Sanders' Functional Evolution Scale. The outcome was excellent in 30%, good in 40%, fair in 17%, and poor in 13%. Conclusion: Locking compression plating is an excellent internal fixation option for both extra- articular and intra-articular distal femur fractures, and it is particularly helpful in osteoporotic metaphyseal fractures.