Outcome of locking compression plate in supracondylar fracture of distal femur by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Background: the introduction of locking compression plate (lcp) based on the internal fixator principle has brought a dramatic change in the management of supracondylar fractures of distal femur. these fractures can be best managed with lcp by utilizing a mipo technique. aim: to evaluate the radiological union of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (mipo) for distal femoral fractures in 65 patients. methods: a total of 65 consecutive patients (45 male and 20 female) with closed supracondylar fractures of distal femur muller type-a were treated by distal locking plate using the mipo technique. the parameter utilized was the radiological union according to the hammer et al classification of fracture healing on 2nd week interval up to 6 months. results: there were 45(69.22%) male and 20(30.78%) female in the study. mean age of patients was 32.37±7.86 years. 100% patients did not achieved radiological union at 2nd,4th and 8th week follow up. 10.77% patients had achieved uncertain level of union and 89.23% patients were not achieved union level at 8th week. 6.15% patients were achieved level of union and 12(18.46%) patients achieved uncertain level of union at 12th week follow-up. 13.85% patients were achieved level of union and 83.07% patients achieved uncertain level of union at 16th week follow-up. 63(96.9%) patients were achieved level of union at 20th week and 100% patients achieved union level at 24th and 36th week follow-up. difference between post operative union at 20th week follow up with respect to 16th,24th and 36th week was found to be statistically significant as p-value < 0.05. no patient developed deep infection,malunion or nonunion. conclusion: mipo using a lcp achieves favourable biological fixation for distal femoral fractures with few complications. bone grafting is not needed even in cases of metaphyseal comminution.