J Korean Fract Soc.  2010 Jan;23(1):20-25. 10.12671/jkfs.2010.23.1.20.

Surgical Treatment of AO Type C Distal Femoral Fractures Using Locking Compression Plate (LCP-DF, Synthes(R))

• Kim KJ
• Lee SK
• Choy WS
• Kwon WC
• Lee DH

• KMID: 1461568
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2010.23.1.20

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Distal femoral fractures; AO type C; Locking compression plate; Neer's functional score

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Extremities
Femoral Fractures
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Joints
Postoperative Complications

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Initial radiographs show the distal femoral fracture of AO type C3. (B) Initial CT scans show the intra-articular fracture fragments. Sagittal image shows Hoffa fracture fragments. (C) Postoperative radiographs show very congruent articular surface with good alignment. Fracture fragments are reduced and stabilized with locking compression plate and additional Acutrak and cable. (D) Radiographs 16 months after surgery show the healed fracture with callus in good alignment.

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  Fig. 2 Mean Neer's functional scores of each subtype of AO type C. It doesn't have statistical significance between subtypes of AO type C and mean Neer's scores.

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