Results of locking compression plate in the management of fracture distal end of femur in adults

Abstract

Introduction: The use of locking compression plate in fractures of distal femur in our study seems to be associated with a good functional outcome and early recovery. The DF-LCP is a good implant to use for fractures of the distal femur particularly intra-articular type and osteoporotic fractures. Recent advances in technology for treatment of fractures distal end femur with locking compression plate become popular and has clear biomechanical advantages when compared with conventional plating and other method of fixation. When combined with minimally invasive surgical techniques, locking compression plate may cause substantially less iatrogenic tissue damage when compared with conventional plating. Locking compression plates offers multiple points of fixed-angle contact between the plate and screws, theoretically reducing the tendency for varus collapse that is seen with traditional lateral plates. The commonly observed complications of fracture distal end of femur are knee stiffness, implant failure and loss of reduction are minimal with it. Surgical exposure for plate placement requires significantly less periosteal stripping and soft tissue exposure than that of normal plates. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted which included 30 patients with fracture distal end of femur (Extra & intra articular type A and C based on AO classification) treated with open reduction and internal fixation with distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) between November 2011 to October 2013 at in the department of orthopaedics, Govt. Medical college & associated MBS hospital, Kota and followed-up for a minimum period of 6 months. The patient’s ages ranged from 18 to 78 with a mean of 42 years. The duration of follow up ranged from 6 months to 21 months. The clinical assessment was conducted at least 6 months post-operatively using the Schatzker & Lambert scoring system. Results: Result showed that 9 patients had excellent results, 17 good, 2 fair and 2 failures. Conclusion: The use of locking compression plate in fractures of distal femur in our study seems to be associated with a good functional outcome and early recovery and is a good implant to use for fractures of the distal femur particularly intra-articular type and osteoporotic fractures.