Abstract

PURPOSE
To report the postoperative Clinical and Radiological outcomes following distal femoral fractures in elderly patients compared with young patients.
METHODS
From March, 1996 to March, 2012, 83 patients who received surgical treatment for fractures of the distal femur were enrolled in this retrospective study. Ages more than 65 was named group A. Group A was 49 cases and mean age is 72.5 year(65~91year). Group B was 49 cases and mean age is 45.7 year(16~61 year). Surgical methods are retrograde IM nail, locking compression plate, cannulated screw and postoperative rehabilitation is no difference between two groups. Clinical results were evaluated using Neer scores, radiographic results and the presence of clinical complications.
RESULTS
The mean union period was 18.4(12-40) weeks in group A and 17(10-24) weeks in group B. Neer functional scores are no significant statistical difference between two groups. There are 5 cases metal breakage in group A and 1case in group B. There are 3 cases nonunion in group A and 1 case in group B.
CONCLUSION
In the case of fractures of the distal femur in elderly patients, locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous periosteal osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique may be one of the most effective methods and preoperative bone stock evaluation in important.

• Keywords: Distal Femur FractureElderlyRetrogradeLocking plate