J Korean Fract Soc.  2024 Apr;37(2):87-94. 10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.2.87.

Comparison of Results between Minimally Invasive Plate Fixation and Antegrade Intramedullary Nailing of Recon-Type in Low-Energy Injury Distal Femoral Shaft Fractures

• Sohn HM
• Lee G
• Kim BR
• Oh JS

• KMID: 2555582
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.2.87

Abstract

Purpose
This study compared the outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and antegrade intramedullary nailing for low-energy fracture of the distal femoral shaft.
Materials and Methods
A study was conducted on 30 patients who underwent surgery for low-energy fractures of the distal femoral shaft between January 2016 and April 2022. The study compared 15patients who underwent minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (Group P) with 15 patients who underwent recon-type antegrade intramedullary nailing (Group N). We evaluated intraoperative blood loss, operative time, C-arm exposure time, bone density, final union status, anatomical reduction, and clinical evaluation. The complications were also examined, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare the two groups.
Results
The blood loss, surgery time, and C-arm time were similar in the two groups. The radiographic assessments and clinical evaluations were also similar in the two groups. The clinical results showed no difference between the groups. Group N had one case of nonunion and one case of delayed union, while Group P had one case of nonunion and one case of peri-prosthetic fracture.
Conclusion
Antegrade intramedullary nailing of the recon-type demonstrated comparable results to minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. Hence, antegrade intramedullary nailing of the recon-type, which enhances stability by fixing the entire femur and providing additional fixation in the distal portion, is deemed appropriate for treating distal femoral shaft fractures.

Keyword

Distal femoral fracture; Low-energy trauma; Intramedullary nailing; Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis