Evaluation of the Outcome of Different Surgical Techniques in the Treatment of Distal Femur Intra-articular Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Background: A preferred surgical approach to distal femur intra-articular fractures is still controversial. Objectives: In the current study, we assessed the outcome and complications of three different surgical techniques, including screw fixation, Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing (RIN), and Locking Compression Plate (LCP). Methods: A total of 63 patients with distal femur intra-articular fractures were included in this retrospective study. AO/OTA fracture and dislocation classification was used to categorize patients. Type B fractures were treated with screw fixation and type C fractures were treated using LCP and RIN. Outcome measures, including the knee range of motion (ROM) and pain level, were Results: The Mean±SD age of patients was 36.7±15.7 years. The fracture types B and C were detected in 22 (32.4%) and 46 (67.6%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 27.2±15.9 months. Mild knee pain was the only complication of screw fixation that was observed in 21% of patients. LCP was associated with some complications, including pain (19.4%), infection (9.7%), limited ROM (47.4%), malunion (47.4%), and nonunion (6.5%). RIN was also associated with several complications, including pain (44.4%), infection (11.1%), limited ROM (33.3%), and malunion (41.2%). A comparison of the outcome in matched fracture types of LCP and RIN groups revealed no superiority of each technique. Conclusion: Screw fixation alone results in a satisfactory outcome in the treatment of type B distal femur intra-articular fractures. LCP and RIN are associated with a variety of complications with no superiority over each other.