ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the clinical results of lateral locking plate combined with bone grafting in the treatment of distal femoral fractures in the elderly.Methods Between January 2006 and December 2013,112 senile patients with distal femoral fracture were treated at our department by lateral locking plate combined with bone grafting.They were 16 men and 96 women,aged from 67 to 85 years (average,76.1 years).By AO classification,48 cases were type 33-A1,11 type 33-A2,3 type 33-A3,7 type 33-B1,4 type 33-B2,32 type 33-C1,and 7 type 33-C2.All of them had a previous history of osteopenia.By the Singh index classification,22 cases were rated as grade Ⅰ,74 as grade Ⅱ,13 as grade Ⅲ,and 3 as grade Ⅳ.Postoperatively,the patients conformed to regular follow-up,accepted functional rehabilitation and continued medication for osteopenia.Radiographic examinations were conducted to observe fracture healing.At the last follow-up,the function of involved knee was assessed according to the criteria by Karlstrom and Olerud.Results All the 112 patients completed their follow-ups,ranging from 10 to 48 months (average,16 months).All fractures united primarily after an average of 4.2 months (range,from 3.5 to 5.0 months).According to the criteria by Karlstrom and Olerud,93 cases were rated as excellent,10 as good and 9 as fair,giving a good-to-excellent rate of 92.0％.No such complications as nonunion,malunion,plate breakage,or screw loosening were observed during the follow-ups.Conclusion Lateral locking plate combined with bone grafting is effective for the treatment of distal femoral fractures in the elderly,if followed by postoperative anti-osteopenia therapy and early functional exercises.