J Korean Fract Soc.  2012 Jan;25(1):13-19. 10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.1.13.

Treatment of Distal Femur Fracture with Minimally Invasive Locking Compression Plate Osteosynthesis

• Park KC
• Chung KS
• Moon JK

• KMID: 1434105
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.1.13

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyze the result of distal femur fracture treatment with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using a locking compression plate (LCP).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From December 2004 to April 2010, 33 patients with distal femur fractures were treated by MIPO with a locking compression plate. The reduction state and bone union time was checked radiologically. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Schatzker and Lambert criteria.
RESULTS
The mean bone union time was 16.3 weeks (10~22 weeks). There were 3 nonunions, 2 broken plates, 1 superficial infection, 7degrees of valgus angulation in 1 case, and 1.5 cm limb shortening in 1 case. Except for the 3 nonunion cases, according to the Schatzker and Lambert criteria, results were graded as excellent in 11 cases, good in 14 cases, and moderate in 5 cases.
CONCLUSION
The treatment of distal femoral fracture by MIPO with a locking compression plate resulted in good functional and radiological outcomes, but it has problems, such as broken plates and nonunion. Accurate surgical technique and appropriate treatment will be needed according to fracture type.

Keyword

Distal femur fracture; Locking compression plate; Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Femoral Fractures
Femur
Humans

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A, B) A 66-year-old woman with communited, distal femur fracture by traffic accident (AO-OTA classification 32-C1). (C, D) Radiographs show a postoperative state which is reduced and internal fixation. (E, F) Follow-up radiographs after 6 months show bony union with good alignment. (G, H) Clinical photographs after 6 months show nearly full range of motion on knee joint.

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  Fig. 2 (A, B) A 57-year-old man with extraarticular metaphyseal fragmented wedge, distal femur fracture injured by traffic accident (AO-OTA classification 33-A2). (C, D) Radiographs show a postoperative state which is reduced and internal fixation. (E, F) Follow-up radiographs after 20 weeks show a nonunion state. (G, H) Radiographs show a second operation state via removal of previous implant, autogenous iliac bone graft and reimplantation. (I, J) Follow-up radiographs after 4 months from second operation show bony union.

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