Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Femoral Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, We analyzed the cases of distal femoral fracture treated with this newly developed surgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 12 cases of distal femoral fracture which had been treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and each patients had been followed up for a minimum twelve months. Post-operative function was evaluated with checking the range of motion of knee joint and Knee Society Score. Union period and post-operative alignment was measured on radiograph. RESULTS: In all cases, bony union was obtained in average fifteen weeks after operation without bone graft. The arc of motion of knee joint which was checked at the last follow up was 123.75 degrees on average. According to Knee Society Score, there were 9 excellent, 1 fair and 1 poor results. The post-operative complications were malunion in 1 case, soft tissue infection in 1 case and joint stiffness in 1 case. CONCLUSION: The treatment of distal femoral fracture with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is one of the good surgical options for clinically preferable results with high union rate without bone graft and early joint motion.