Assessing the functional outcome after fixation of distal femoral fractures with DF-LCP: A prospective study.

Abstract

Background: Management of distal femoral fractures remains a real challenge due to the involvement of unique and vital anatomical structures. These are usually treated with operative measures. Distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) has gained popularity due to favorable biological insertion and minimal periosteal damage, but locally little is known about it. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the functional outcomes after fixation of distal femoral fractures with DF-LCP. Methodology: This prospective cohort study, including 21 patients with distal femoral fractures, was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital from Jan 1, 2017, to Dec 31, 2018. All enrolled patients were treated with DF-LCP. The postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated for one year. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: There were 21 patients with distal femur fractures with a mean age of 46.6 ± 19.2 years. The majority of the fractures were due to road traffic accidents (RTA), i.e., 57.1%, followed by ground-level fall (33.3%). The mean time for fracture union was 20.2 ± 11.1 weeks, and the mean range of motion of the knee was 108.5 ± 18.5º (at one-year follow-up). The complications were minimal; superficial infection and stiffness of knee joint were observed in 2 patients each while there was 1 case each of non-union, delayed union, and implant failure. Conclusion: DF-LCP is an effective treatment for distal femoral fractures as it permits stable fixation and early mobilization. Satisfactory to excellent functional and radiological outcomes were achieved.

Keywords

• distal femoral fracture
• functional outcome
• distal femoral locking compression plate
• neer’s score