Abstract
Purpose: We evaluate the results of treatment of A.O. type C distal femoral fractures with 3 methods of internal fixation (condylar plate, 95° condylar blade plate, D.C.S.).
Material-Methods: From 1988–2003, 108 patients (59 male, 49 female), aging 19 to 84 years (aver. 46 years), with 116 fractures A.O. /C were treated. 108 were closed and 8 open, Gustillo type II. We used condylar plate in 38 patients (group A), 95° condylar blade plate in 24 (group B) and D.C.S. in 54 (group C).
Results: Postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 15 years. An early mobilization programme was initiated. The results were evaluated using the Schatzker-Lambert criteria. Pseudarthrosis was found in 4 cases in group A, 6 in B and 3 in C. Varous deformity was present in 10 cases in group A, 6 in B and 2 in C. Severe knee stiffness was present in 2 patients of group A, 2 of B and none of group C.
Conclusion: The Dynamic Condylar Screw – D.C.S. seems to have an advantage compared to the other 2 methods of internal fixation regarding the treatment of A.O. /C distal femoral fractures offering stability, anatomical reduction, and early mobilization with a good functional outcome.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Roger Lemaire. Correspondence should be addressed to EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.