Additional fixation of medial plate over the unstable lateral locked plating of distal femur fractures: A biomechanical study.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral locked plating is a standard treatment option for distal femur fractures. However, the unstable conditions after lateral locked plating are increasing. The objective of this study was to investigate the biomechanical strength of additional medial plate fixation over the unstable lateral locked plating of distal femur fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A distal femur fracture model (AO/OTA 33-A3) was created with osteotomies in the composite femur. Three study groups consisting of 6 specimens each were created for single-side lateral locked plating with 6 distal locking screws (LP-6), single-side lateral locked plating with 4 distal locking screws (LP-4), and additional medial locked plating on LP-4 construct (DP-4). A compressive axial load (10 mm/min) was applied in the failure test. Mode of failure, load to failure, and ultimate displacement were documented.

RESULTS: All single-side lateral locked plating (LP-4 and LP-6) showed plate bending at the fracture gap, while none of the DP-4 showed plate bending at the fracture gap. Load to failure of DP-4 (mean 5522 N) was 17.1% greater than that of LP-6 (mean 4713.3 N, p < 0.05) and 29.2% greater than that of LP-4 (mean 4273.2 N, p < 0.05). Ultimate displacement of DP-4 (mean 5.6 mm) was significantly lower than that of LP-6 (mean 8.8 mm, p < 0.05) and LP-4 (mean 9.1 mm, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Additional fixation of medial plate significantly increased the fracture stability in distal femur fractures fixed with the lateral locked plating. Especially in the clinical situations where sufficient stability cannot be provided at the distal segment, the medial plate may be considered as a useful biomechanical solution to obtain adequate stability for fracture healing.