Outcomes of distal femur fractures treated with the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate.

PURPOSE: Given the recent controversy in the literature and the alarming reports of early mechanical failure associated with the use of the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate in acute distal femur fractures, the goal of our study was to examine the outcomes and mechanical failure rates of this implant in a larger patient population.

METHODS: Patients 18 years of age and older who underwent plate fixation of their acute distal femoral fracture using the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate were included in this retrospective study. The study data was collected through a retrospective chart review and review of the existing radiographic studies. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure while secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, and medical and surgical complications.

RESULTS: A total of 74 patients (77 fractures) were included in this study. The fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification as 33-A2 (n = 6), 33-A3 (n = 19), 33-C1 (n = 5), 33-C2 (n = 25), and 33-C3 (n = 22). Thirty-two out of 77 fractures presented as open fractures (41.6%). A mechanical failure was observed in 7 patients (9.1%). Twenty additional patients needed a re-operation of the surgical site including two nonunion repairs, one malunion repair, 15 staged treatments of traumatic segmental bone defects, and two soft tissue debridements.

CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate is a safe and effective implant with a relatively low mechanical failure rate.