الفهرس 
Applied Anatomy and BiomechanicsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Multiple options exist for treatment of distal femoral fractures. Coronal plane fractures and extensive distal comminution generally preclude the use of traditional fixed-angle devices or retrograde nails. The introduction of plates with the option of locked screws has provided the means to increase the rigidity of fixation in osteoporotic bone or in the presence of periarticular or juxta-articular fractures with a small epiphyseal segment, The feasibility of early weight bearing has not been firmly es¬tablished in the literature, and no universally accepted postoperative rehabilitation proto¬col currently exists for such fractures.
Purpose: To assess clinical, radiographic and functional results of using DF-LCP in fixation of distal femoral fracture AO/OTA 33-A or 33-C in a cohort of patients.
Methodology: The study population is composed of 20 patients completed the whole follow up program. There were 14 males and 6 females their mean age was 59 years (range 25 to 92 years). The average follow up duration was 9 months (range, 6 to 12 months). For clinical evaluation, Schatzker scoring system was used.
Results: Functional assessment done according to the Schatzker scoring system, four patients had excellent results (20%), nine had good results (45%), five had fair results (25%) and two patients had poor result (10%). The mean time of radiological union of the fracture range 2.5-5.5 months, 45% of patients achieved radiological union within 3 months, 45% within 4 months and 10% more than 4 months considered delayed union.
Conclusion: Locking plates provide angular stability, help to preserve periosteal blood supply, provide better purchase and stability in osteoporotic bone, decrease the need for primary bone grafting. We recommend the use of DF-LCP with respect of biologic and biomechanical principles as a suitable device for fixation of challenging distal femoral fractures with high union rates, good functional outcome, and low complication incidence achieved.
Level of evidence: IV
Key words:
Distal femur fractures,
Supracondylar fracture femur,
Locked compression plates in distal femur