Background
Internal fixation using locked plates is a well-established method for the treatment for osteoporotic distal femoral fractures.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes after using locked plates for internal fixation of osteoporotic distal femoral fractures.
Patients and method
This prospective study was carried out on 12 patients, four men and eight women, who attended Suez Canal University Hospitals between June 2011 and January 2013; the mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 55–80 years) at the time of surgery. The patients included in the study had unstable comminuted osteoporotic distal fractures of the femur and were treated with locked compression plates. Clinical and functional evaluation was carried out after 1 year of follow-up on the basis of the International Knee Society (IKS) functional recovery score according to Insall and colleagues. Radiological evaluation was also performed 1 year postoperatively according to Ehlinger and colleagues.
Results
The mean range of motion was 110°, and the mean IKS score was 145. The bone union rate was 92% within a mean of 12 weeks. The infection rate was 8%, which improved with frequent dressing, without the need for revision. Patients were assessed for satisfactory results 1 year postoperatively according to Smith and colleagues: 10 patients (84%) achieved satisfactory results, and two patients (16%) did not achieve satisfactory results because of delayed union and knee stiffness.
Conclusion
The locked plate is an effective method for fixation of comminuted and osteoporotic distal femoral fractures in elderly patients, with good clinical and radiological outcomes.