Functional and radiological outcome of surgical management of distal femur fracture with distal femoral locking plate at Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences: Chhindwara

Abstract

Introduction: Distal femoral fractures account for approximately 4-6% of all fractures of the femur. The treatment of distal femur fractures presents a considerable challenge due to the notable morbidity and complication rate, despite the utilisation of sophisticated surgical techniques and implants. Currently, the Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) technique utilising a pre-contoured Distal Femoral Locking Compression Plate (DF-LCP) is widely regarded as a favourable surgical intervention. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted at CIMS, Chindwara, with 32 patients. Patients 18 years or older with Type A, B, or C distal femur fractures, both closed and open, who were willing to participate in the study and follow-up visits were included. Pathological fractures, previous surgery revisions, Grade 111 A, B, C open fractures, and bilateral distal end of femur fractures were excluded. Distal femoral plating with locking compression plate was done through lateral parapatellar approach. They were checked monthly until 6 months post-op and then at 1 year. Radiological and functional assessments were done postoperatively. Results: Out of the 21 patients of distal femur fractures, Male: female ratio was 3:1 among the total n = 32 subjects, with n = 24 (75%) male cases and n = 8 (25%) female cases. In n = 24 (75%) cases, motor vehicle accidents were the cause of the fractures Muller's Type A1 fractures comprised n = 4 (12.5%) of the distal femur's fractures, Type C1 fractures comprised n = 11 (34.37%), Type C2 fractures n = 11 (34.37%) and Type C3 fractures N = 6 (18.75%) (Table 2). Six subjects (18.75%) had open-type fractures, while 26 (81.25%) had closed-type fractures. According to Neers' Functional scoring 19 subject having excellent coring while 6 were having satisfactory 5 subject shows unsatisfactory scoring while failure is present in 2 subject. Conclusion: Distal Femoral Locking Plate is one of the best implant to be used as fixation method for both extra-articular and intra-articular distal femur fracture.