Abstract

Background: Distal femur intra‐articular fractures (DFIAFs) could be highly challenging. Despite the reports of effective treatment of these injuries, the patients are often faced with numerous complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of DFIAFs using open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with locking compression plates (LCP). Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 2017 on 51 pa􀆟ents receiving ORIF due to DFIAFs during 2014‐2015. In the final visit, Lysholm ques􀆟onnaire was completed for the pa􀆟ents. Severity of pain and patient satisfaction were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). In addition, level of degenerative changes in the joint and also range of motion were measured and compared with the opposite the knee. The mean follow‐up of the pa􀆟ents was 17.4±7.2 months (range: 13‐27). Results: In all the patients, reduction was acceptable, and complete union was also achieved. Degenera􀆟ve changes were observed in 15 pa􀆟ents (29.4%) (Degree I and II based on Kellgren‐ Lawrence radiologic classification). Moreover, three patients had superficial infections, and one patient had deep infec􀆟on requiring irriga􀆟on and surgical debridement. Mean severity of pain was 2.7±1.3 (range: 0‐4), and 19 pa􀆟ents needed painkillers. Pa􀆟ent's sa􀆟sfac􀆟on with the treatment outcomes was 7.7±1.1 (range: 4‐9). Mean score of Lysholm was 81.1±8.3 (range: 71‐84). Mean range of mo􀆟on of the knee on the surgery side was significantly lower compared with the normal side (116.6±12.4 and 125.3±7.3, respec􀆟vely) (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, treatment of DFIAFs by ORIF could be accompanied by fracture union. However, the level of degenerative changes, pain, and reduced range of motion are significant concerns in this regard.

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