Plate Osteosynthesis of Lower End of Femur Fractures Using Locking Compression Plating - A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background:Distal femur fractures has recently evolved towards indirect reduction and minimally invasive techniques and treatment. The goal is to strike a balance between the mechanical stability of the fragments and the biological viability. Pre-contoured Locking compression plates (LCPs) have shown to give best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, return to work and functional outcome.

Objective: To study the functional result of fracture distal femur treated by closed reduction with LCP by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

Methods:In our study, 20 patients with closed distal femur fractures were evaluated. All cases were treated atOrthopaedic Surgery dept., Kushtia Medical College Hospital, Kushtia, Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2020. Inclusion criteria: Patients with lower third femoral fracture aged 18 years and above.The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for functional outcomes. All patients were followed up for an average of 12 months. Outcome was assessed using NEER’s score.

Results:It was a prospective study. The study population comprised of 20 patients with mean age of 51.8 years ranging from 21 yrs to 68 yrs. All of them were closed injuries and fresh cases. The mean age was 51.8 years (21-68 yrs). 8 of my patients were male and 12 were female. 13 patients sustained RTA and 7 patients had accidental fall. 8 patients had right sided distal femur fracture and 12 had left sided injury. According to NEER’s score 50% had excellent results, 35% had good results and 15% had fair results. Gait and weight bearing after union was satisfactory. Range of motion of knee joint in majority of patients was within acceptable limits. Conclusions: Closed reduction and internal fixation of fracture lower end of femur by MIPO using LCP is one of the best modalities of treatment for good results.