Treatment of Distal Femoral Fractures Using Locking Compression Plate

Abstract

We used Locking compression plate (LCP) for distal femoral fractures in 13 patients (4 men and 9 women, aged 24-87 years) .Using the AO classification, 6 fractures were classified as type A, 1 as type B, and 6 as type C. The Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique was applied in 11 patients. The fractures were caused by falls in 5 patients, falls from a height in 4, traffic accidents in 3, and sports injury in 1. Of the 13 patients, 1 had an open fracture (Gustilo Type IIIA) and 1 had postoperative TKA. The mean period from injury to surgery was 6 days (range,1-16 days). The average follow-up period was 12 months (range,3-25 months).
Bone union was obtained in all cases, and no case showed significant correction loss after surgery. However, comminution and defects of the medial bone cortex may cause delayed union or non-union. It seems important to consider whether medial plate fixation is necessary.