Evaluation of the Outcome of Different Surgical Techniques in the Treatment of Distal Femur Intra-articular Fractures: A Retrospective Study

A preferred surgical approach to distal femur intra-articular fractures is still controversial. 

In the current study, we assessed the outcome and complications of three different surgical techniques, including screw fixation, Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing (RIN), and Locking Compression Plate (LCP). 

A total of 63 patients with distal femur intra-articular fractures were included in this retrospective study. AO/OTA fracture and dislocation classification was used to categorize patients. Type B fractures were treated with screw fixation and type C fractures were treated using LCP and RIN. Outcome measures, including the knee range of motion (ROM) and pain level, were 

The mean±SD age of patients was 36.7±15.7 years. The fracture types B and C were detected in 22 (32.4%) and 46 (67.6%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 27.2±15.9 months. Mild knee pain was the only complication of screw fixation that was observed in 21% of patients. LCP was associated with some complications, including pain (19.4%), infection (9.7%), limited ROM (47.4%), malunion (47.4%), and nonunion (6.5%). RIN was also associated with several complications, including pain (44.4%), infection (11.1%), limited ROM (33.3%), and malunion (41.2%). A comparison of the outcome in matched fracture types of LCP and RIN groups revealed no superiority of each technique. 

Screw fixation alone results in a satisfactory outcome in the treatment of type B distal femur intra-articular fractures. LCP and RIN are associated with a variety of complications with no superiority over each other.