Publication:

Outcome of distal femoral fractures treated with locking compression plates

Background Fixation of distal femoral fractures with a lateral plate alone is associated with nonunion and/or malunion with varus collapse. Locking compression plates may reduce the tendency of varus collapse. Hence, we evaluated the union rates and functional and anatomical outcome in patients of distal femoral fractures who were treated with locking compression plates.

Methods This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care center at Bangalore between July 2010 and June 2012. Patients with distal femoral fractures were treated with locking compression plates and were followed up for at least 6 months. Outcomes were evaluated using Neer’s score to assess outcomes in adult distal femoral fractures.

Results The study included 22 patients (10 males and 11 females) among whom one patient was lost to follow up within 6 months after the procedure. All the fractures were post-traumatic. Nineteen (91%) patients had closed fractures whereas two (9%) had open fractures. Muller’s A1 type was the most common (n=7) type of fracture followed by C2, C1, A2 (n=4 each) and B1, A3 (n= 1 each). Median duration of follow-up was 8 months (range: 6-18 months). The mean NEER’s functional score was 80 points. Overall results were excellent in 5 (24%) out of 21 cases and were satisfactory in 15 (71%) cases and only one had an unsatisfactory result.

Conclusions Locking compression plates offer excellent-satisfactory outcome in patients with distal femoral fractures.