Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of lower end of femur fractures using locking compression plating: a prospective study

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The treatment of distal femur fractures has recently evolved towards indirect reduction and minimally invasive techniques. The goal is to strike a balance between the mechanical stability of the fragments and the biological viability. Pre-contoured Locking compression plates (LCPs) have shown to give best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, return to work and functional outcome. Advent of MIPO technique has reduced the amount of soft tissue injury, delayed healing, tissue necrosis and infections.</span>The objective was <span lang="EN-IN">to study the functional result of fracture distal femur treated by closed reduction with LCP by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 20 cases of fracture distal end of femur were treated by closed reduction and internal fixation using LCP by MIPO between 1st October 2013 to 30th September 2015 at our centre. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for functional outcomes. All patients were followed up for an average of 12 months. Outcome was assessed using NEER’s score.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">8 of my patients were male and 12 were female. All of them were closed injuries and fresh cases. The mean age was 51.8 years (21-68 yrs). 13 patients sustained RTA and 7 patients had accidental fall. 8 patients had right sided distal femur fracture and 12 had left sided injury. According to NEER’s score 50% had excellent results, 35% had good results and 15% had fair results. Gait and weight bearing after union was satisfactory. Range of motion of knee joint in majority of patients was within acceptable limits. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Closed reduction and internal fixation of fracture lower end of femur by MIPO using LCP is one of the best modalities of treatment for good results.</span></p>