ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical results of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in treatment of complex fractures of the distal femur. Methads From July 2005 to December 2006, 41 patients with complex distal femur fractures induced by high energy trauma were treated with MIPO plus locking compression plate(LCP). There were 31 males and 10 females, at average age of 38 years(17-65 years). According to the AO/OTA fracture classification system, there were 11 patients with type A3 fractures, 22 with type C2 and 8 with type C3. There were 16 patients with open fractures. The clinical result was evaluated by using function examination and radiographic assessment. Results All patients were followed up for average 8 months(2-18 months), which showed fracture healing, with mean healing time of 13 weeks(7. 16 weeks). There was only 1 patient with superficial infection but no fixation failure or implant breakage were found. The average knee range of motion was 110°(45°-135°). Hospital for special surgery knee rating scale(HSS) showed excellent or good results in 36 patients (88%). No patient with greater than 5°difference in either varus or valgus was detected when compared 2 days after operation with latest follow-up. Conclusion In treatment of complex distal femur frac-tures, MIPO plus LCP have advantages of minor trauma, stable fLxation, slight interference on soft tis-sues, early fracture healing and few complications.
