The outcome of Polyax Locked Plating System for fixation distal femoral non-implant related and periprosthetic fractures

The objective ofthis study was to report onthe safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes ofthe PolyaxTM Locked Plating System (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) in the management of acute (non-implant related and periprosthetic) distal femoral fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients with 73 distal femoral fractures. Thirty-three of the included fractures occurred around previously placed implants. The average patients’ age was 67 years (range 18–98). There were 7 early postoperative complications (9.5%) including one deep surgical site infection, 2 pulmonary embolisms and 4 urinary or respiratory infections. At final follow-up (mean 12, range 9–55 months) all fractures progressed to clinical and radiological union. However, major revision surgery for healing problems was required in 5 cases (6.8%) and minor in 3 cases (4.1%). The average time to healing was 6 (range 3–23) months. Angulation less than 5 degrees in any plane was observed in 66 cases (89.7%), within 5–10 degrees in 5 cases (7.3%) and within 10–15 degrees in 2 cases (2.9%). The mean pre-injury and final follow-up values of Glasgow Outcome Scale were 1.5(1–3) and 1.7 (1–3) respectively. Overall 61 patients (83.53%) retained their pre-injury activity status. The PolyaxTM Locked Plating System offers a safe and efficient fixation in distal femoral fractures.