Functional Outcome Analysis of Fracture distal end femur treated with distal femur LCP - A Prospective Study

Supra-condylar and inter-condylar fractures of the distal femur historically have been difficult to treat. They account for 7% of all femoral fractures. If hip fractures are excluded, 31% of femoral fractures involve distal portion. Because of the proximity of these fractures to the knee joint, regaining full knee motion and function may be difficult. Many of these fractures are the result of high energy trauma which generates severe soft tissue damage and articular and metaphyseal comminution, the management of which still remains complex and challenging to the orthopedic surgeons. The incidences of mal-union, non-union and infection are relatively high. Methods: A total of 25 patients were enrolled for this prospective study and all were treated with locking compression plate. Physical examination and radiographs were performed at regular follow-ups. Functional outcomes were analyzed using Modified Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system. Results: Patients were followed up every 2 weeks in the first month, then monthly for 3 months and then once every 3 months. The average range of knee flexion achieved was about 101°. The average knee score was 88.88 rated using Modified Hospital for Special Surgery functional score.The difference in knee range of motion was statistically significant for closed and open fractures but knee score and age was not statistically significant. Intra-articular fractures tend to have poorer results with respect to pain and function, more so because of the nature of the injury rather than the implant used, which limits the movement and causes loss of strength more than instability. Conclusion: The outcome seems to correlate with fracture severity, anatomic reduction, etiology, bone quality, length of time elapsed from injury to surgery, concomitant injuries and the exact positioning and fixation of the implant. Furthermore, the initial severe concomitant cartilage damage may predispose to early osteoarthritis although there is no evidence of that. Closed fractures have a higher range of motion as well as a better knee score as compared to open fractures thereby showing that soft tissue compromise also affects range of motion and further rehabilitation of the limb.