USE OF DISTAL FEMORAL LCP IN FRACTURES OF DISTAL FEMUR AND PERIPROSTHETIC FRACTURES – FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL RESULTS IN 41 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Abstract

Distal femoral LCP was used in 41 consecutive distal AO type A and type C fractures; Vancouver C periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures and Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 periprosthetic supracondylar fractures of the femur between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008 at a District General Hospital in UK. We aim to present the functional and radiological results at a mean duration of 18.7 months after the surgery.

Between Oct 2005 and Feb 2008, forty patients with a total of forty-one fractures were treated with a distal femoral LCP. There were seventeen male patients and twenty three female patients with a mean age of 73.8 years. There were 29 distal femoral fractures (AO type A = 20; type C = 9) and 12 periprosthetic fractures (Vancouver C = 4; Lewis and Rorabeck Type 2 = 8). Six of the fractures were open. Clinical and radiographic results, including union time, malalignment and implant complications were assessed. Function was assessed by using the Knee Society score. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.7 months (range, seven to thirty five months).

Thirty seven fractures united during this follow up. Three fractures which showed features of delayed or non union needed additional procedures. Screw loosening necessitating screw removal was required in three patients. Deep infection was seen in one patient. Malalignment more than 10 degrees in AP or Lat views was evident in five cases. Excellent to good Knee Society score was achieved in 82 percent of cases. Fair to poor score was seen in 18 percent of cases.

Distal femoral locking plates offer more fixation versatility without an apparent increase in mechanical complications or loss of reduction.