EVALUATION OF TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF COMPLEX INTERCONDYLAR DISTAL FEMUR FRACTURES TREATED WITH DUAL LOCKING PLATE FIXATION

Dinh Tung Le1, , Dinh Hai Le2, Huu Thuyet Nguyen3, Cong Danh Le3, Hoang Duy Tien Nguyen3, Van Toan Tran3, Hoang Long Tac3, Chi Linh Phan3, Minh Luan Nguyen3, Dong Khang Nguyen1
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
2 Cho Ray Hospital
3 Can Tho Central General Hospital

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Intercondylar distal femur fractures are severe injuries commonly associated with high-energy trauma and osteoporosis, carrying a high risk of instability, delayed union, and impaired knee function. Distal femoral condylar fractures are complex intra-articular injuries, and precise reduction and restoration of the articular surface play a crucial role in recovering normal joint function. Lateral locking plate fixation is widely used, however, complications such as varus malalignment and nonunion may still occur in complex fractures. The addition of a medial plate improves mechanical stability and may enhance fracture union and functional recovery. Objectives: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of complex intercondylar distal femur fractures managed with dual locking plate fixation. Materials and methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 33 patients with intercondylar distal femur fractures treated with dual locking plate fixation from May 2024 to December 2025. Results: Among the 33 patients, 17 were male and 16 were female. The mean follow-up duration was 6 months. The fracture union rate was 96.9%. Functional outcomes assessed by the Neer Score showed 84.9% excellent and good results. Conclusion: Dual locking plate fixation for distal femur fractures is an effective treatment method, providing high mechanical stability, a favorable union rate, and satisfactory recovery of knee function. 

Article Details

References

1. Khan AM, Tang QO, Spicer D. The epidemiology of adult distal femoral shaft fractures in a central London major trauma centre over five years. Open Orthop J. 2017. 11, 12771291, https://doi.org/10.2174/1874325001711011277
2. Martinet O, Cordey J, Harder Y, Maier A, Bühler M, Barraud GE. The epidemiology of fractures of the distal femur. Injury. 2000. 31(Suppl 3), C62-C63, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1383(00)80034-0
3. Henderson CE, Kuhl LL, Fitzpatrick DC, Marsh JL. Locking plates for distal femur fractures: Is there a problem with fracture healing? J Orthop Trauma. 2011;25(Suppl 1):S8S14, https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0b013e3182070127
4. Stoffel K, Lorenz KU, Kuster MS. Biomechanical considerations in plate fixation of distal femur fractures. Injury.2007. 38(4), S38-S44.
5. Tripathy SK, Goyal T, Sen RK. Dual plating in distal femur fractures: a systematic review and limited meta-analysis. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2021. 31, 1307-1318, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-021-00489-0.
6. Bologna MG, Claudio MG, Shields KJ, et al. Dual plate fixation results in improved union rates in comminuted distal femur fractures compared with single plate fixation. J Orthop. 2020. 18, 76-80, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2019.09.022
7. Lê Nguyên Khải. Kết quả bước đầu điều trị phẫu thuật gãy nát đầu dưới xương đùi bằng hai nẹp. Luận án chuyên khoa cấp II. Đại học Y Dược Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. 2009.
8. Nguyễn Thanh Huy. Đánh giá kết quả điều trị bệnh nhân gãy đầu dưới xương đùi bằng nẹp vít khóa tại Bệnh viện Đa khoa Trung Ương Cần Thơ. Tạp chí Y Dược học Cần Thơ. 2023. 43, 103-109, https://tapchi.ctump.edu.vn/index.php/ctump/article/view/1087
9. Steinberg EL, Elis J, Steinberg Y, et al. A double plating approach to distal femur fracture: A clinical study. Injury. 2017. 48(10), 2260-2265, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2017.07.025
10. Kumar P, Nain G, Sharma AK, Verma K. Functional outcome analysis following dual plating for AO type C2 and C3 distal femur fractures. Int J Orthop Sci. 2023. 9(2), 389-392.
11. Stoffel K, Dieter U, Stachowiak G, et al. Biomechanical testing of the locking compression plate. Injury. 2003. 34(Suppl 2), B11-B19.
12. Garg A, Sahu A, Sharma R, Malik M, Khare N, Seth A. Dual plating of intra-articular distal femoral fractures by single incision anterior midline approach: A case series. Int J Orthop Sci. 2021. 7(2), 128-131, https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2021.v7.i2b.2623.
13. Pai Manjeswar M, Kale A, Raithatha H, Shah S. Study of clinical results and functional outcome of patients with distal femur fracture treated with dual plating. Cureus. 2023. 15(1), e34182, https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.34182
14. Reddy MS, Jishnu J, Bajjuri A, Venugopal SM. The study on functional outcomes of dual plating in comminuted distal femur fractures. Int J Health Sci. 2025. 9(3), 928938, https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v9n3.15830