Publication:

Evaluation of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of distal femoral fracture by mini-open technique with femoral distractor and traction table: a prospective review of 26 cases

Background Different methods exist for fracture reduction and submuscular plating in distal femur intra-articular and metaphyseal extra-articular fractures. Apart from knee flexion, femoral distractor and traction table are commonly used for alignment of fractures in minimally invasive techniques.

Methods 26 distal femoral fractures (all closed fractures) were operated (14 cases in traction table, 12 cases in femoral distractor). Partial articular/unicondylar fractures were excluded from our study. Mean patient age was 42 years (range 18 to 60 years). Evaluation was done by knee society score (KSS).

Results Mean time of radiological union was 23.2 weeks (range 20-28 weeks). 23 fractures united uneventfully, one patient had wound infection, and 2 cases had non-union with implant failure. Debridement in infected implant and re-fixation with long plate and bone grafting were done for fracture union in these two cases. According to KSS, excellent outcome were seen in 6 patients, 10 had good, 8 had fair and 2 had poor outcome.

Conclusions Distraction by traction table or femoral distractor helps us to reduce the fracture by overcoming the pull of gastrocnemius in 2 week old fracture correcting hyperextension/recurvatum deformity. This method can be used as viable alternative in minimally invasive plating causing less chance of infection preserving maximal joint movement.