Treatment of distal femoral fractures in the elderly using a less-invasive plating technique

We treated 16 patients having fractures of the distal femur with the less-invasive stabilization system (LISS). Patients' mean age was 75 (62-101) years. Fifteen patients had low-energy trauma. Eight fractures were type A (AO classification), three were type B and five were type C. In two cases, loosening of the proximal fixation was seen and surgical revision performed. Union time averaged 30 (16-68) weeks. There was no non-union. Average Oxford knee score was 46 (22-60). No loosening of the distal fixation was found. LISS appears to be an effective device in treating osteoporotic distal femoral fractures. © Springer-Verlag 2005.link_to_subscribed_fulltex