Josje Poelmann1, Peter Kloen2. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meiberdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105AZ, The Netherlands. j.c.poelmann@amsterdamumc.nl. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meiberdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105AZ, The Netherlands.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Nonunion is a common complication after a distal femoral fracture (DFF). Standard treatment consists of revision plating and/or bone grafting. Single lateral plating for a distal femoral nonunion can be insufficient in case of a persistent medial gap and compromised bone stock. Alternatively, dual plating can be used to treat a distal femoral nonunion, but to date there is no Gold standard. The aim of our study was to report our results after use of a minimally invasively placed proximal humeral internal locking system (Philos) plate as a medial buttress in the treatment of a distal femoral nonunion. METHODS: Fifteen adult patients with a distal femoral nonunion were prospectively entered in a trauma database and retrospectively assessed. All patients underwent a similar operation, which included removal of failed hardware, nonunion debridement, fixation with a lateral plate, and a medial Philos plate combined with bone grafting. Data collected included union rate, time to union, complications and functional outcome. RESULTS: In twelve out of fifteen patients (80%), the fracture united after our index operation. Median time to union was 4.8 months (range 1.6-15). Three patients (20%) needed additional bone grafting surgery. One patient underwent a Judet quadricepsplasty. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the Philos plate is a safe and effective adjunct as a medial buttress plate for distal femoral nonunions.
PURPOSE: Nonunion is a common complication after a distal femoral fracture (DFF). Standard treatment consists of revision plating and/or bone grafting. Single lateral plating for a distal femoral nonunion can be insufficient in case of a persistent medial gap and compromised bone stock. Alternatively, dual plating can be used to treat a distal femoral nonunion, but to date there is no Gold standard. The aim of our study was to report our results after use of a minimally invasively placed proximal humeral internal locking system (Philos) plate as a medial buttress in the treatment of a distal femoral nonunion. METHODS: Fifteen adult patients with a distal femoral nonunion were prospectively entered in a trauma database and retrospectively assessed. All patients underwent a similar operation, which included removal of failed hardware, nonunion debridement, fixation with a lateral plate, and a medial Philos plate combined with bone grafting. Data collected included union rate, time to union, complications and functional outcome. RESULTS: In twelve out of fifteen patients (80%), the fracture united after our index operation. Median time to union was 4.8 months (range 1.6-15). Three patients (20%) needed additional bone grafting surgery. One patient underwent a Judet quadricepsplasty. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the Philos plate is a safe and effective adjunct as a medial buttress plate for distal femoral nonunions.
Authors: Michael J Gardner; Jose B Toro-Arbelaez; Melanie Harrison; Christian Hierholzer; Dean G Lorich; David L Helfet Journal: J Trauma Date: 2008-02