Supplementary medial plating in revision surgery for distal femoral fractures: A surgical technique with clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Distal femur fractures (DFF) are common, especially in the elderly and high energy trauma patients. Lateral locked osteosynthesis constructs have been widely used, however non-union and implant failures are not uncommon. Recent literature advocates for the liberal use of supplemental medial plating to augment lateral locked constructs. However, there is a lack of proprietary medial plate options, with some authors supporting the use of repurposing expensive anatomic pre-contoured plates. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an effective, readily available medial implant option.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis from January 2014 to August 2023 was performed on DFF requiring revision open reduction internal fixation (rORIF) with supplemental medial plating with a Large Fragment Locking Compression Plate (LCP) T-Plate via a medial sub-vastus approach. The T-plate was contoured and placed superior to the medial condyle. A combination of 4.5 mm cortical, 5 mm locking and/or 6.5 mm cancellous screws were used, with oblique screw trajectories towards the distal lateral cortex of the lateral condyle. The primary outcome was union rate.

RESULTS

This technique was utilised on fifteen patients. The mean age was 55±15 (range 23-81); 73 % of cases were male and the median follow-up was 61 weeks (IQR 49-87). The two most common fracture patterns were AO/OTA 33-C3 (n = 5) and 33-A3 (n = 4), and three patients had open fractures. The union rate was 93 % (14/15), with a median time to union of 29 weeks (IQR 18-49). There were two complications: a deep infection requiring two debridements and locally eluding antibiotic insertion, and a prominent screw requiring removal; both patients achieved union. The median range of motion was 0° (IQR 0-5) of extension and 100° (IQR 90-120) of flexion.

CONCLUSION

Supplemental medial plating of DFF with a Large Fragment LCP T-Plate is a feasible, safe, and economical option for rORIF. Further validation on a larger scale is warranted, along with considerations to developing a specific implant in line with these principles.