Functional outcome following internal fixation of intraarticular fractures of the distal femur

Abstract

Distal femur fracture with intra-articular extension is a major cause of severe morbidity in patients with lower extremity injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcome, fracture healing, and the complications of distal femoral intra-articular fractures using locking compression plates. A total of 170 patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal femur were recruited from Emergency and Outpatient department and treated with distal femoral locking compression plates. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society score. All patients were followed for twelve months. All fractures united in average 3.2 months (range 7-19 weeks). The results were excellent in 66.47% (113/170) patients, and good in 22.35% (38/170) patients. Non-union was not seen in this study. 5.83% (7/170) patients had limb length discrepancy of < 2 cm and no treatment were needed. It is an effective procedure with an excellent or good functional outcome in the majority of the patients.