Distal femur fractures in older patients with osteoporosis are difficult to treat because poor bone quality reduces screw purchase and fixation stability. Minimally invasive locked plating with an angularly stable locking compression plate is widely used to obtain secure fixation in osteoporotic distal femur fractures and offers improved biomechanical performance. However, complications such as implant failure and peri-implant fracture continue to occur. This narrative review summarizes current principles of minimally invasive lateral locked plating for osteoporotic distal femur fractures in older patients and discusses practical strategies to reduce fixation-related complications based on the available literature and the author’s clinical experience.
PURPOSE To analyze the surgical results of AO type C distal femoral fractures using locking compression plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS From February 2006 to June 2008, 14 patients 15 cases were included. Injury mechanisms, combined injuries, radiologic and clinical results and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS The mean age was 59.6 (30~77) years. The mean follow up period was 25 (12~40) months. AO types were 3 of C1, 5 of C2 and 7 of C3. Injury mechanisms were 9 of traffic accident, 5 of slip down and 1 of fall from a height. Four cases were combined with other extremity injuries or fractures. The mean radiologic union was obtained at postoperative 15 (13~20) weeks. The mean Neer's functional score was 74.2 (58~97); 3 of excellent, 5 of satisfactory and 7 of unsatisfactory. Postoperative complications were 2 of infection and 1 of nonunion. There were no mechanical failures or fixation loss with locking compression plate at the final follow up. CONCLUSION Internal fixation using locking compression plate for AO type C distal femoral fractures provided excellent fixations. At the final follow up, the clinical results were variable. The affecting factors on the final results seemed to be joint congruencies after anatomical reduction and active rehabilitation.
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