Publication:

A prospective study on surgical fixation of complex supracondylar femur fracture with distal femoral locking compression plate: our experiences at a tertiary care centre

Background The optimal treatment of complex supracondylar femur fractures remains always challenging and controversial. the purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) in terms of functional outcome and union rate for highly unstable complex supracondylar femur fractures and to determine the influencing factors of an unfavourable outcome.

Methods After obtaining approval from institutional ethics committee, 45 patients with complex supracondylar femur fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with DF-LCP through lateral approach and as per standard protocol. The follow-up results were analysed clinically and radiologically, using the “Schatzker and Lambert criteria” at once in a month for first three months, once in three months up to one year and once in six months thereafter up to 2 years post-operatively.

Results In the present study, average duration of radiological union was 16 (range 12-22) weeks. The average range of motion of knee joint was 105 degrees. Out of 45 patients, clinical results were excellent in 48.9%, good in 17.8%, fair in 22.2% and poor in 11.1% patients according to Schatzker and Lambert criteria. Knee stiffness (7 cases), secondary arthritis (5 cases), and non-union (4 cases) were the main complications observed in this study, which were treated accordingly.

Conclusions DF-LCP holds the metaphyseal bone strongly and prevents metaphyseal collapse and mal-rotation in complex or highly unstable supracondylar femur fractures and simultaneously, it provides stable fixation to promote fracture union and allows early rehabilitation with acceptable complications.