Functional Outcomes of Intra Articular Distal End Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plating

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures represent 4-6% of all the femoral fractures and they occur within the 9 terminal centimeters. Most distal femur fractures are the result of a severe axial load with a varus, valgus or rotational force. Though various treatment options are available for the management of these injuries with their own advantages and disadvantages, treatment of these fractures with the angle stable constructs using Locking compression plating remains the most desirable treatment option. Objectives: To study the functional outcomes and complications of intra-articular distal end femur fractures treated with Locking Compression Plating. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 3 years on 47 patients requiring operational intervention for distal end femur fractures. Results: We studied different parameters like age of the patients, mode of injury, type of injury according to AO classification, duration of hospitalization, movement of knee after operation, Neer’s score results, union or non-union and compared our studies with other studies we find satisfactory results in our study in outcome of the patient As per the Neer’s knee score, excellent and good outcome was seen in 48.9% and 38.3% cases while fair and poor outcome was seen in 8.5% and 4.3% cases respectively. Conclusion: From our study we concluded that Distal femoral-LCP, the “internal fixator” was a safe and reliable implant although careful preoperative planning and case selection were important factors which determine the final outcome.