Functional Outcome of Fractures Distal End of Femur Using LCP – A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Trauma management is an ever evolving part of orthopaedics and with the latest advancement in metallurgy, crafting processes and biomechanical studies, the implants used have been continuously changing. Distal femur fractures occur at a major joint and their management has always been complicated ranging from preoperative, intra-op to postoperative period. All the studies and research are aimed towards achieving the best functional outcome and functional outcome studies help in collecting and assimilation of the data for the same which further help in modification of techniques to further improve the same. This study focusses on the outcomes achieved by using the distal femur locking compression plate for the management of fractures distal end of femur.
Materials and Methods: Prospective, unicentric, observational study from June 2018 – February 2020. All patients with distal femur facture were included. Pathological fractures, open fractures, fractures older than 3 weeks and patients with ipsilateral proximal tibia, patella and proximal femur were excluded. Surgical approach was surgeon’s choice. Functional outcome was measured using Knee Society Knee Scoring system at 6weeks, 3 months, 6months and 12 months. Functional outcome measured at 12 months was used for evaluation.
Results: 28 patients, 19(67.9%) males and 9(32.1%) females. 89.47% of males sustained the fracture due to road traffic accident and 66.66% of females sustained due to fall and all belonged to age group more than 60 years. The average range of motion achieved was 112.3° ± 8.2. Functional outcome at 12 months 71.4% patients had excellent, 25% had good and 3.6% patients had fair and no patient had poor outcome.
Conclusion: Distal femur fracture is more common in the age group of 21-40 years. The average range of motion of knee achieved in Type A and Type B fractures are significantly better than Type C fractures. Excellent functional outcome was statistically significant in Type A and Type B fractures when compared to Type C fractures.