Less invasive stabilisation system plating for distal femoral fractures

To review the outcome of less invasive stabilisation system (LISS) plating for complex distal femoral fractures.

Records of 6 men and 11 women who underwent LISS plating for complex distal femoral fractures from September 2001 to August 2005 were reviewed. One patient who died 12 months after surgery due to a cardiac problem was excluded. The mean age of the remaining patients was 61 years and the mean follow-up period was 12 months. Four patients, 3 of whom had open fractures, had sustained high-energy trauma. According to the AO classification, 8 fractures were type 33A and 9 type 33C.

The mean time to union was 17 weeks. Two patients with non-union underwent a second LISS plating and bone grafting, resulting in a satisfactory final outcome. Delayed radiographic union was observed in one patient, but clinically he was asymptomatic and mobile. The fracture finally united at 9 months.

LISS plating is useful in treating complex distal femoral fractures, resulting in reduced blood loss and low infection rates, while achieving early mobility due to primary stability of the construct.