The arthroscopic-assisted removal of a distal femoral condylar locking plate--a case report.

We describe a minimally invasive procedure for removal of a distal femur locking plate using arthroscopic assistance. Using lateral accessory portals, we performed arthroscopically-assisted removal of distal locking screws. Under fluoroscopic image, proximal screws were removed from the diaphysis. The accessory lateral portal sites used to remove the distal screws were connected. Through this arthrotomy, the plate was elevated from the distal femur and removed without difficulty. With this method we were able to concomitantly visualize the intra-articular regions while accomplishing the hardware removal.