Comparison of Results of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis according to Types of Locking Plate in Distal Femoral Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using a locking compression plate and a periarticular locking plate in distal femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 31 consecutive femoral fractures who treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis from April 2006 to May 2009. Sixteen patients were treated using a locking compression plate (group A) and 15 patients were treated using a periarticular locking plate (group B). RESULTS: The mean operation time was 78 minutes and 76 minutes (p=0.273), and the mean radiation exposure time was 1.9 minutes and 2.3 minutes (p=0.001) in the group A and B, respectively. The plate bending during operation was performed in 4 cases of group A. The knee range of motion was 117.5degrees and 118.2degrees (p=0.825), and the Lysholm score was 81.3 and 81.8 (p=0.723) in the group A and B, respectively. Schazker criteria showed more than good grade in 93.8% of group A and in 93.3% of group B (p=1.0). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in clinical results were observed between the two groups. However, a lower anatomical compliance was showed in the locking compression plate, and a higher risk of radiation exposure was showed in the periarticular locking plate.