[The "inserted" condylar plate]

Twelve extensive segmental and comminuted fractures of the femur affecting the metaphyseal areas (7 times proximal, 5 times distal) and the diaphysis were treated with extremely long condylar plates (16 to 20 holes). The condylar plates were inserted via a proximal and a distal incision leaving the Musculus vastus lateralis intact at the fracture site in all cases. Following standard preparation of the blade position using the seating chisel, the condylar plate was inserted behind the musculus vastus lateralis with the blade pointing towards the surgeon. The condyles or the trochanteric area were tilted slightly and the plate was turned 180 degrees and driven home. No screws were inserted in the area of the fracture, in particular, lag screws were not used. Ten out of 12 fractures healed without problems, in 2 cases bone grafting was necessary. Three main observations resulted from analysis of the operations and subsequent clinical and radiographical assessments. In the presence of relatively intact soft tissue covering, an astonishingly good reduction of the fragments was achieved after restoration of leg length and extension. In the healing process, callus formed rapidly and provided medial support. The bone structure was found to be more homogeneous than in the case for plate fixation involving several screws at the fracture site around which considerable fluctuations in bone density frequently occur. The application of condylar plates behind the musculus vastus lateralis by only proximal and distal incision for osteosyntheses of extensive multifragmental fractures is a further development of bridge-plating and can be recommended for long fractures.