Stability, Biology, and Function: Outcomes of Lateral Locking Plate Fixation in Distal Femur Fractures
Authors
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Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate radiological union, functional outcomes, and complications following lateral distal femoral locking compression plate (DF-LCP) fixation in distal femur fractures.
Design:
Prospective observational study.
Subjects/Patients:
Sixty skeletally mature patients (≥18 years) with AO/OTA type A, B, or C distal femur fractures treated at a tertiary care centre between 2023–2024.
Methods:
Patients underwent lateral DF-LCP fixation via standard lateral or minimally invasive percutaneous approaches. Radiological union was assessed using serial anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Knee Society Score (KSS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Knee range of motion (ROM) and postoperative complications were recorded. All assessments were performed by a single senior orthopaedic surgeon to reduce inter-observer variability.
Results:
The mean age was 42.9 ± 16.5 years; 73.3% were male. Road traffic accidents caused 95% of fractures; AO type C fractures comprised 55%. Radiological union was achieved in 96.6% of patients, with a mean union time of 15.3 weeks. Complications occurred in 10% of cases. Mean knee flexion improved from 83.3° at 1 month to 103.3° at 12 months (p < 0.001). At 12 months, 81.7% of patients had excellent or good functional outcomes.
Conclusion:
Lateral DF-LCP fixation provides reliable fracture union, satisfactory functional recovery, and acceptable complication rates. Optimal outcomes depend on precise reduction, soft-tissue preservation, and structured rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr Babaji Sitaram Thorat, Dr Ravi Mavani, Dr Avtar Singh Kamboj, Dr Abhijit Das, Dr Arcot Reddy Vamsi Krishna, Dr Prabhat Mittal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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