Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis in Distal Femur Fractures Using Locking Compression Plate (LCP): A Prospective Study

Background: Distal femoral fractures are frequently seen in high-velocity road traffic accidents. The introduction of locking compression plates with option of locked screws has provided the means to increase the rigidity of fixation in osteoporotic bone or in the presence of periarticular fractures. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients within the span of 3 years underwent internal fixation of distal end femur by LCP using minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique. All the patients were assessed using Modified Neer's criteria which assign points for pain, function, working ability, joint movements, gross, and radiological appearance. Results: Out of 50 patients, 48 patients (96%) showed radiological union within 20 weeks. Average time for union was 16.4 weeks. Average knee flexion was 120° with more than 60% of patients having knee range of motion more than 115°. Modified Neer's score was excellent in 32 (64%), good in 12 (24%), fair in 4 (8%), and poor in 2 (4%). There had been one patient each who developed nonunion, deep infection, and valgus malalignment. Conclusion: Locking compression plate used through MIPPO technique is an optimal tool for distal fractures of femur. It provides rigid fixation, where a widening canal, thin cortices, and frequently poor bone stock make fixation difficult.