Assessment of Outcomes of Treatment of Fractures of Distal Femur with a Locking Plate Taking into Account Factors Influencing the Result.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of treatment of distal femoral fractures (DFF) fixed with locking plates and analysis of factors that influence the final outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were treated at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, and the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, 4th Military Research Hospital in Wroclaw. We analysed 39 patients with 42 fractures of the distal femur. Treatment results were analysed using the KOOS and KSS scales. Factors influencing the outcome were also investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA v. 10.

RESULTS: Mean KOOS scores indicate a predominance of poor outcomes, while mean KSS scores indicate good outcomes. Treatment outcomes were significantly influenced by pain and limited mobility.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Subjective evaluation of treatment of fractures of the distal femur using the KOOS scale per form edworse than a clinical evaluation using the KSS. 2. Post-operative management should emphasise pain relief and restoration of the performance of the treated lower limb to ensure good mobility without crutches. 3. Despite the use of modern operational methods of fracture fixation, treatment of distal femur fractures is still a challenge.