Comparison of the stability of three internal fixators for distal femoral fracture / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:There are various internal fixators in treatment of distal femoral fracture. The commonly used fixators are locking compression plate, anterograde intramedul ary nails and retrograde intramedul ary nails. However, the efficacy of three common fixation is controversial. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effect of locking compression plate, anterograde intramedul ary nails and retrograde intramedul ary nails for treatment of distal femoral fracture, and to select the appropriate internal fixation method. METHODS:From May 2007 to November 2007, 118 patients with distal femoral fractures were treated with internal fixation in the hospital and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 38 cases received locking compression plate, 21 cases received anterograde intramedul ary nails, and 59 cases received retrograde intramedul ary nails. The intraoperative blood loss, operative time, fracture healing time and rate of good postoperative recovery of knee joint in three groups were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al the involved 118 patients were fol owed up for 14-26 months, average 20 months. No patients developed infection. Except one case delayed bone defect healing due to the fractures and was completely healed after bone fil ing at 19 weeks, the other cases healed within 4.5 months. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time among three groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative blood loss and operation time in anterograde intramedul ary nail group and retrograde intramedul ary nail group were superior to locking compression plate group. In addition, anterograde intramedul ary nail group was superior to retrograde intramedul ary nail group, with significant difference (P<0.05). Kolment grading fine rate in locking compression plate, anterograde intramedul ary nail and retrograde intramedul ary nail groups was 76.3%, 52.4%and 76.3%respectively. Retrograde intramedul ary nail fixation is firm, stable and reliable, with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operation time, smal trauma, and easy fracture reset, especial y in the recovery of knee joint function. Compared with locking compression plate and anterograde intramedul ary nail, retrograde intramedul ary nailing treatment of distal femoral fractures has more advantages.