Treatment of Femur Supracondylar Fracture with Locking Compression Plate

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of locking compression plate by analyzing the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate in the treatment of femur supracondylar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 21 cases of distal femur fractures which were treated with locking compression plate in our hospital from February 2005 to March 2009 and followed up for minimal 1 year. The types of fractures were seven A1, four A2, two A3, six C2, and two C3 according to AO classification. 2 cases were open fractures. The cases were evaluated by the criteria of Schatzker-Lambert. RESULTS: The mean time to union was 14.3 weeks. One delayed union, one refracture were observed, but no nonunion and postoperative infection was observed. The outcomes were excellent in 6 cases, good in 11, fair in 3, and failure in 1 by the criteria of Schatzker-Lambert. The overall results were excellent or good in 17 cases (81.0%). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of femur supracondylar fracture, open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate yields good result and locking compression plate is useful choice of fixation option.