Locking Plates for Distal Femur Fractures - a Multicenter Case Review
Locking Plates for Distal Femur Fractures - a Multicenter Case Review
In order to assess the rate and mode of failure cases observed in patients with distal femur
 fractures treated with a distal femur plates, anonymized radiographs from those patients will
 be collected retrospectively.

 All available images will reviewed by an expert review board in regards to fracture
 classification, implant and surgery details, quality of initial reduction and plate
 positioning as well as the occurrence of mechanical complications and the outcome in terms of
 fracture healing (if available). Additionally, age and gender as basic demographical data
 will be collected in a de-identified way..
Severely comminuted distal femur fractures can be challenging injuries and usually require
 surgical treatment with lateral distal plate osteosynthesis.

 Anatomically pre-contoured locking plates are commonly used. In 2012, the 4.5mm VA-LCP Curved
 Condylar Plate for distal femur fractures (VA-LCP DF, Synthes) was introduced offering the
 option of axis variation of the locking screws.

 Recently, a report highlighted cases of implant failure with this implant, cautioning
 practicing surgeons against the use of this implant in certain type of AO/OTA fracture and
 dislocation classification 33 fractures (AO/OTA classification).

 Based on this report, the current study was designed to perform a retrospective in-depth
 radiological analysis of all cases distal femur fractures of 4 participating sites in which
 the VA-LCP DF, the LCP Distal Femur Plate (LCP DF, Synthes) or the 'less invasive
 stabilization system' for distal femur fractures (LISS DF, Synthes) were used for fracture
 stabilization. The radiological in-depth analysis will be done by an expert review board with
 the aim to identify potential causes and risk factors for the failure cases among all cases
 collected.

 This evaluation will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanical performance of
 distal femur fracture plates and the causes and risk factors for failures.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age 18 years and older

 -  Diagnosis of a distal femur fracture type OTA/AO classification 33-A, -B, -C

 -  uni- or bilateral

 -  low or high energy trauma

 -  Open or closed fractures

 -  Surgical treatment with the VA-LCP DF, LISS DF, LCP DF

 -  Available radiographical documentation, beginning with the injury radiographs, ending
 with the documented healing or any documented failure with or without revision surgery
 (up to a maximum follow-up of 1 year