Distal Femur Locking Plate: The Answer to All Distal Femoral Fractures.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Distal femur fractures are complex injuries requiring effective fixation.
• Various implants like nails and screws have shown success.
• Distal femur locking plates offer a viable option for diverse fracture patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of distal femur fractures treated with distal femur locking plates.
• To assess the efficacy of distal femur locking plates in skeletally mature patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 25 skeletally mature patients with distal femur fractures.
• Open reduction and internal fixation using a distal femur locking plate.
• Exclusion of open grade 3B/3C and pathological fractures.
• Follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using the Neer scoring system.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved fracture union, with a mean radiological union time of 19 weeks.
• Mean Range of Motion (ROM) was 109 degrees; 20 patients had excellent to satisfactory Neer scores.
• Nine patients required additional surgeries (bone grafting, antibiotic cement beads); three experienced complications (infection, mal-union) successfully treated.

Conclusions:

• Distal femur locking plates are effective as a primary implant for all types of distal femur fractures.
• Adherence to fracture fixation principles and utilizing the plate's mechanical properties optimize outcomes.
• Positive functional and radiological results can be achieved with this fixation method.