Clinical effect of locking compression plate via posterolateral approach in the treatment of distal femoral fractures: a new approach

BACKGROUND: Distal femur fractures are difficult to manage, and the selection of implant approach for internal fixation remains controversial. This study explores the clinical outcome of treating distal femoral fractures with a locking compression plate using a posteriolateral novel approach. METHODS: Twenty patients with distal femoral fractures were included in our study, and all patients underwent fixation of the fracture using a locking compression plate through a posterolateral approach. The postoperative fracture healing time, complications, and functional recovery were observed and recorded. The joint function was categorized according to the Kolmert functional criteria. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for an average of 12 months, and all incisions healed by first intention. Among the all patients, 19 patients achieved fracture healing 3 to 4 months after surgery. The remaining 1 patient with distal femoral C(3) comminuted fracture achieved partial fracture healing 15 months after surgery, and bone grafting was needed. All knees can reach the state of straightening, and the postoperative excellent rate was 90%. Among them, 8 patients had maximal flexion of more than 120°, 10 patients had flexion between 90° and 120°, and 2 other patients had flexion of 70° and 40°. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of the fracture using a locking compression plate through a posterolateral approach seemed to be an acceptable surgical option for treatment of distal femoral fractures.