International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Current Issues
     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

A Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcome of Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Non-Locking Plate Fixation

Article Information

Volume / Issue6 / 3 (July-September 2025)
Pages200-207
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received20 June 2025
  • Accepted21 July 2025
  • Published

Full Text (PDF)

Open Access - Free to Download

Download Full Article (PDF) JATS XML

Abstract

Background: Distal femur fractures represent a significant orthopedic challenge, requiring optimal fixation techniques to restore knee joint function and promote fracture healing. The choice between Locking Compression Plate (LCP) fixation and Non-Locking Plate fixation significantly impacts functional outcomes.
Objective: To compare the functional outcomes of distal femur fractures treated with LCP fixation versus Non-Locking Plate fixation, focusing on knee function, fracture union time, range of motion, and post-operative recovery.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences involving 60 adult patients (aged 18-70 years) with distal femur fractures. Patients were divided into two groups: 30 treated with LCP fixation and 30 with Non-Locking Plate fixation. Fractures were classified using Muller's classification system. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee scoring system.
Results: The LCP group demonstrated superior functional outcomes with 83.2% achieving excellent knee scores compared to 75.3% in the Non-Locking Plate group (p=0.004). Mean range of motion was significantly higher in the LCP group (111° ± 18.1) compared to the Non-Locking Plate group (92° ± 17.2) (p=0.0001). LCP fixation was preferred for complex fractures (C1, C2, C3 types), while Non-Locking Plates were more commonly used for simpler fractures.
Conclusion: LCP fixation provides superior functional outcomes compared to Non-Locking Plate fixation, particularly for complex distal femur fractures, demonstrating better knee function, improved range of motion, and faster rehabilitation.
 

References

  1. Müller ME, Nazarian S, Koch P, Schatzker J. The comprehensive classification of fractures of long bones. Springer Science & Business Media; 2012. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  2. Delgadillo CA, Rojas Lievano J, Olarte CM. Geriatric distal femoral fractures: post-operative complications and nine-year mortality. International Orthopaedics. 2024;48(3):841-8. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  3. Kim HS, Yoon YC, Lee SJ, Sim JA. Which fixation produces the best outcome for distal femoral fractures? Meta-analysis and systematic review. European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. 2024;50(3):763-80. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  4. Sommer C, Gautier E, Müller M, Helfet DL, Wagner M. First clinical results of the Locking Compression Plate (LCP). Injury. 2003;34:B43-54. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  5. Stoffel K, Dieter U, Stachowiak G, Gächter A, Kuster MS. Biomechanical testing of the LCP. Injury. 2003;34:B11-9. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  6. Wagner M. General principles for the clinical use of the LCP. Injury. 2003;34:B31-42. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  7. Schatzker J, Horne G, Waddell J. The Toronto experience with the supracondylar fracture of the femur, 1966–1972. Injury. 1974;6(2):113-28. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  8. Mize RD, Bucholz RW, Grogan DP. Surgical treatment of displaced, comminuted fractures of the distal end of the femur. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1982;64(6):871-9. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  9. Siliski JM, Mahring MA, Hofer HP. Supracondylar-intercondylar fractures of the femur: Treatment by internal fixation. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1989;71(1):95-104. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  10. Greiwe RM, Archdeacon MT. Locking plate technology–current concepts. The Journal of Knee Surgery. 2007;20(01):50-5. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  11. Cantu RV, Koval KJ. The use of locking plates in fracture care. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2006;14(3):183-90. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  12. Koval KJ, Hoehl JJ, Kummer FJ, Simon JA. Distal femoral fixation: a biomechanical comparison of the standard condylar buttress plate, a locked buttress plate, and the 95-degree blade plate. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 1997;11(7):521-4. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  13. Egol KA, Kubiak EN, Fulkerson E, Kummer FJ, Koval KJ. Biomechanics of locked plates and screws. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 2004;18(8):488-93. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  14. Martinet O, Cordey J, Harder Y, Maier A, Bühler M, Barraud GE. The epidemiology of fractures of the distal femur. Injury. 2000;31:62-94. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  15. Bolhofner BR, Carmen B, Clifford P. The results of open reduction and internal fixation of distal femur fractures using a biologic (indirect) reduction technique. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. 1996;10(6):372-7. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  16. Fanelli GC, editor. The multiple ligament injured knee: a practical guide to management. Springer; 2019. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  17. Vallier HA, Hennessey TA, Sontich JK, Patterson BM. Failure of LCP condylar plate fixation in the distal part of the femur: A report of six cases. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2006;88(4):846-53. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  18. Ricci WM. Use of locking plates in orthopaedic trauma International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research www.allmedicaljournal.com surgery. JBJS Reviews. 2015;3(3):e3. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  19. DeKeyser G, Thorne T, Martin BI, Haller JM. Changing Epidemiology of Distal Femur Fractures: Increase in Geriatric Fractures and Rates of Distal Femur Replacement. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2024;32(24):e1289-98. [Google Scholar][Crossref]
  20. Paiva MD, Leal DP, Kuroki PK, Barroso BG, Reyna MA, Leonhardt MD, Silva JD, Kojima KE. Distal femoral fractures from high-energy trauma: a retrospective review of complication rate and risk factors. Acta Ortopédica Brasileira. 2022;30:e256896. [Google Scholar][Crossref]

How to Cite

Jain, T., Sahu, R. L., Bhatia, R., & Pratap, H. (2025). A Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcome of Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Non-Locking Plate Fixation. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(3), 200-207. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.3.200-207

Jain, Tushar, et al. "A Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcome of Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Non-Locking Plate Fixation." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 6, no. 3, 2025, pp. 200-207. https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.3.200-207.

Jain, T., Sahu, R. L., Bhatia, R. and Pratap, H. (2025) 'A Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcome of Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Non-Locking Plate Fixation', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 6(3), pp. 200-207. doi: 10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.3.200-207.

Jain T, Sahu RL, Bhatia R, Pratap H. A Comparative Analysis of Functional Outcome of Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Non-Locking Plate Fixation. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2025;6(3):200-207. doi:10.54660/IJMBHR.2025.6.3.200-207

Share

Find this Article on

Google Scholar Semantic Scholar OpenAlex Scilit Crossref ResearchGate BASE

A newly published article may take a few days to appear on these services.