The LISS plate treatment of supracondylar fractures above a total knee replacement: a case-control study

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of periprosthetic fractures above a total knee arthroplasty treated by LISS plate fixation. The primary outcome measure was the radiological union. Secondary outcome measures were knee function using the Oxford Knee Score, and quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire. Over a 4-year period we treated 16 supracondylar periprosthetic fractures with a LISS plate in 15 patients. Eleven patients (12 fractures) were followed up for an average of 8 months. Eleven out of these 12 fractures went on to unite in an average of 3.7 months. Functional outcome questionnaires were filled out by 9 patients. Suitable matches were found for a subgroup of 5 patients (6 LISS plates). No statistically significant differences were found in the Oxford knee scores (p = 0.749) or quality of life scores (p = 0.440) between the two groups. Our data suggest favourable outcomes after LISS plate fixation of supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures above total knee replacement.