The results of open reduction internal fixation in patients with distal femoral intra-articular fractures

Backhrounds Distal femoral intra-articular fractures (DFIAF) can be very challenging.Although, satisfactory outcomes have been reported, however, there are severalcomplications interfering the patients after treatment. In current retrospective study, theoutcomes of treating DFIAF with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using locking plates(LCP) were investigated.Methods There were 51 patients enrolled. In last visit, Lysholm score was completed forall of the patients. Pain intensity and satisfaction were measured using visual analoguescale (VAS). Degenerative changes were assessed on plain x-rays. Bilateral knee range ofmotion was measured and compared. The patients were followed for 7.2±17.4 (range: -1327) months.Results Fractures were united in all of the patients. Degenerative changes were foundin 15 patients (%29.4). (Grade 2 ,1 Kellgren_Lawrance ) 3 patients developed superficialinfection. Deep infection was found in one patient who underwent surgical irrigation anddebridement. The pain intensity was 1.3±2.7 (range: 4-0). Nineteen patients required to useanalgesics (%37.2). VAS for satisfaction averaged 1.1±7.7 (range: 9-4). The Lysholm scoreaveraged 8.3±81.8 (range: 84-71). The range of knee motion was significantly limited inoperated side compared to the healthy one (12.4±116.6 Vs 7.3±125.3; p<0.001).Conclusions Treatment of DFIAF using ORIF can be associated with complete fracturehealing. However, the incidence of degenerative changes, pain and loss of ROM areconsiderably concerning.