Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures: Is One Superior to the Other?

Nail plate combination technique for periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures: How far have we come?

Open reduction and internal fixation for periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures (PPFx) around a stable total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the gold standard, with the nail plate combination (NPC) technique offering increased biomechanical stability and high union rates. Advances in implant technology, particularly the introduction of the novel lateral locking attachment washer (LAW), have increased the availability of NPC options in the treatment of these technically demanding and complex cases. In this technical paper, we discuss two cases: Case 1 - describing the traditional NPC technique utilizing a retrograde intramedullary nail and lateral distal femoral locking plate; Case 2 - describing the NPC technique utilizing a retrograde nail and a novel LAW implant, which is now the authors' more commonly utilized technique. Managing PPFx around a TKA implant remain a challenge, however, the integration of the LAW and newer generation of retrograde intramedullary nails have marked significant progress in treating these complex fractures.

Osteoporotic Distal Femur Fractures: An Overview

Background

Distal femur fractures in geriatric patients present a significant challenge due to age-related factors, including osteoporosis, comorbidities, and diminished functional reserve. These injuries have high morbidity and require nuanced management strategies to optimize outcomes. In the current chapter, we have reviewed the challenges associated with these intricate injuries and the potential solutions for their favorable outcomes.

Method

We reviewed the published literature on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and current treatment modalities for distal femur fractures in the elderly population, with a focus on advances in surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and outcomes.

Discussion

Operative treatment remains the mainstay, tailored to fracture patterns, patient comorbidities, and bone quality. Locking plates offer strong fixation in osteoporotic bone, while intramedullary nails, especially the newer generation ones, provide better biomechanical stability for unstable fracture types. Total knee replacement and distal femur replacement is a viable option in severe cases with comminution or poor bone quality.

Conclusion

Distal femur fractures in the elderly are complex injuries with high morbidity and mortality. Early surgical intervention, optimized postoperative care, and a focus on addressing osteoporosis are key to improving outcomes and minimizing the long-term impact of these fractures on the vulnerable population. Favorable fracture healing can be achieved with plates, nails and their combinations as long as they are judiciously used.

Following Multiple Failed Reconstructions of a Distal Femur Fracture, Osseous Union Achieved After Superficial Femoral Artery Endarterectomy

Background

Nonunion of a distal femur fracture is a serious complication in which bone healing ceases or fails to resolve, often necessitating further surgical intervention. Poor blood supply and unstable fixation have been identified as contributing factors to osseous nonunion. In this case, we highlight a challenging femur fracture that achieved osseous union only after resolution of a superficial femoral artery occlusion via endarterectomy that improved blood flow to the fracture site.

Case Report

A 54-year-old male was involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident that resulted in a left distal femur fracture. The patient underwent multiple reconstructive procedures that were complicated by hardware failure and recurrent nonunion. Prior to the sixth reconstruction, a superficial femoral artery occlusion was discovered and addressed with endarterectomy. The sixth and final procedure resulted in osseous union and stable fixation of the femur fracture.

Conclusion

A missed superficial femoral artery occlusion likely contributed to the delay in achieving osseous union of a traumatic comminuted distal femur fracture.

Management of Non-Union Distal Femur Fracture with Augmentation Nail-Plate Construct: A Case Report

Introduction

Non-union fractures of the distal femur pose significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, often requiring revision procedures to achieve successful bone healing. In cases where the initial implant has failed, innovative solutions are necessary to promote bone union and functional recovery.

Case Report

We present a case of a non-union distal femur fracture in a 22-year-old male patient, with a broken implant in situ. The patient had previously undergone internal fixation with a locking plate, which subsequently failed to promote bone healing. The patient was reoperated using a supracondylar nail and augmented with a distal femur locking plate to address the non-union. The combination of the supracondylar nail and distal femur locking plate successfully provided stability to the fracture site, promoting bone union and enabling functional recovery. Radiographic evidence and clinical assessment demonstrated excellent healing progress.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the importance of individualized treatment for non-union distal femur fractures, especially when prior implant failure occurs. The combined approach of a supracondylar nail and distal femur locking plate can be a valuable option in addressing complex non-union fractures, achieving stable fixation, and facilitating successful bone healing.

Current Concepts in Management of Distal Femur Fractures

Recent studies report the overall incidence of distal femur fractures as 8.7/100,000/year. This incidence is expected to rise with high energy motor vehicle collisions and elderly osteoporotic fractures in native and prosthetic knees keep increasing. These fractures are more common in males in the younger age spectrum while females predominate for elderly osteoporotic fractures. Surgical treatment is recommended for these fractures to maintain articular congruity, enable early joint motion and assisted ambulation. Over the last two decades, development of minimally invasive and quadriceps sparing surgical approaches, availability of angle stable implants have helped achieve predictable healing and early return to function in these patients. Currently, laterally positioned locked plate is the implant of choice across all fracture patterns. Retrograde with capital implantation of intramedullary nails with provision for multiplanar distal locking is preferred for extra-articular and partial articular fractures. Even with these advancements, nonunion after distal femur fracture fixation can be as high as 19%. Further recent research has helped us understand the biomechanical limitations and healing problems with lateral locked plate fixation and intramedullary nails. This has lead to development of more robust constructs such as nail-plate and double plate constructs aiming for improved construct strength and to minimise failures. Early results with these combination constructs have shown promise in high risk situations such as fractures with extensive metaphyseal fragmentation, osteoporosis and periprosthetic fractures. These constructs however, run the risk of being over stiff and can inhibit healing if not kept balanced. The ideal stiffness that is needed for fracture healing is not clearly known and current research in this domain has lead to the development of smart implants which are expected to evolve and may help improve clinical results in future.

The linked nail/plate construct for the management of distal femur fractures in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Distal femoral fractures represent a challenging injury, with many different factors such as the method of fixation, complexity of fracture pattern, and patient co-morbidities affecting the outcome. Lots of surgical treatment options have been described, but recently double construct fixation, using a nail/plate combination, has received lots of attention, a technique that leads to faster weight-bearing, low risk of metalwork failure, and non-union. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the linked nail/plate construct in the management of complex distal femur fractures and to investigate if the above technique leads to faster recovery and earlier radiographic union.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total 15 cases were included in the study, that underwent a combined nail/plate construct for a distal femur fracture between January 2021 and December 2022. Only cases with a linked nail/plate construct were included, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Open femur fractures, single implant fixation cases, and revision procedures were excluded.

RESULTS

In this cohort study, 11 cases were periprosthetic distal femur features, and 4 cases were distal femur fractures around a native knee joint. The mean age group was 74 years, 86.6% of the patients had a BMI > 25 and the mean time to fracture union was 24 weeks (range from 20 to 26 weeks). All cases healed uneventfully and the complication rate was 6.6%, including 1 case of superficial infection which resolved completely with oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The increasing age population, the complexity of distal femoral fractures along with the increasing physiological demands of the elderly population, drive the need for double fixation constructs that allow early mobilization and enhance fracture stability. In our study, the linked nail/plate construct seems to provide adequate stability and excellent union rates (100%) with no associated increased risk of complications.

Non-unions and wound infections do not differ following intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis for distal third femur fractures: a meta-analysis

Purpose

The fixation method of distal, extra-articular femur fractures is a controversially discussed. To ensure better stability itself, earlier mobilization and to prevent blood loss - all these are justifications for addressing the femur via reamed intramedullary nailing (RIMN). Anatomical reposition of multifragmentary fractures followed by increased risks of non-union are compelling reasons against it. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for rates of non-union and wound infection, as well as blood loss and time of surgery.

Methods

According to the PRISMA guidelines we conducted this systematic review by searching the Cochrane, PubMed, Ovid, MedLine, and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were the modified Coleman methodology score (mCMS) >60, age >18 years, and extra-articular fractures of the distal femur. Biomechanical and animal studies were excluded. By referring to title and abstract relevant articles were reviewed independently. In the consecutive meta-analysis, we compared 9 studies and 639 patients.

Results

There is no statistically significant difference comparing superficial wound infections when RIMN was performed (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.18 - 1.42; P = 0.19) as well as in deep wound infections (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.19-2.81; P = 0.62). However, these results were not significant. We also calculated for potential differences in the rate of non-unions depending on the surgical treatment applied. Data of 556 patients revealed an overall number of 43 non-unions. There was no significant difference in rate of non-unions between both groups (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.51-1.85; P = 0.92).

Conclusion

No statistical difference was found in our study among RIMN and plate fixation in the treatment of distal femoral fractures with regard to the incidence of non-union and wound infections. Therefore, the indication for RIMN or plating should be made individually and based on the surgeon's experience.

Outcomes of Distal Third Femur Fractures in Patients 18 Years and Older: A Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

The selection of the most optimal fixation method for fractures of the distal femur, whether intramedullary nail (NL), lateral locking plate (PL), or nail/plate (NP) is not always clear. This study retrospectively evaluates surgical patients with distal femur fractures and introduces a pilot study using cluster analysis to identify the most optimal fracture fixation method for a given fracture type.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years and older with an isolated distal femur fracture who presented to our Level-1 trauma center between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022, and obtained NL, PL, or NP implants. Patients with polytrauma and those without at least six months of follow-up were excluded. A chart review was used to obtain demographics, fracture classification, fixation method, and postoperative complications. A cluster analysis was performed. The following factors were used to determine a successful outcome: ambulatory status pre-injury and 6-12 months postoperatively, infection, non-union, mortality, and implant failure.

RESULTS

A total of 169 patients met inclusion criteria. No statistically significant association between the fracture classification and fixation type with overall outcome was found. However, patients treated with an NP (n = 14) had a success rate of 92.9% vs only a 68.1% success rate in those treated with a PL (n = 116) (p = 0.106). The most notable findings in the cluster analysis (15 total clusters) included transverse extraarticular fractures demonstrating 100% success if treated with NP (n = 6), 50% success with NL (n=2), and 78.57% success with PL fixation (n=14). NP constructs in complete articular fractures demonstrated success in 100% of patients (n = 5), whereas 77.78% of patients treated with NL (n = 9) and 61.36% of those treated with PL (n = 44).

CONCLUSIONS

Plate fixation was the predominant fixation method used for distal third femur fractures regardless of fracture classification. However, NP constructs trended towards improved success rates, especially in complete intraarticular and transverse extraarticular fractures, suggesting the potential benefit of additional fixation with these fractures. Cluster analysis provided a heuristic way of creating patient profiles in patients with distal third femur fractures. However, a larger cohort study is needed to corroborate these findings to ultimately develop a clinical decision-making tool that also accounts for patient specific characteristics.

Early ambulation and good outcomes after using combined nail plate construct for fixation of distal femoral fractures: a retrospective series of 14 cases

BACKGROUND

Combined nail/plate technique is a relatively novel method for surgically managing distal femur fractures. It was supposed to allow for early weight bearing and achieve adequate fixation that allow for good bone healing. This study aims to describe our single institution experience of treating distal femur fractures using the combined nail/plate technique.

METHODOLOGY

This is a retrospective study of 14 cases who had AO/OTA fractures 33A_C that were managed with this technique. Patients mean age was 67.6 years and all of them had either obvious osteopenia/osteoporosis or comminuted fractures.

RESULTS

With early postoperative weight bearing, after a mean follow up of 13.2 months, all the patients were able to return to preinjury activity level. None of the cases were revised for union related problems. Adequate bone healing was noticed after a mean of 16.8 weeks postoperatively. At the final follow up, the mean Oxford knee score was 42 (range 34-46).

CONCLUSION

The combined nail/plate technique provides adequate fixation method that allows for early weight bearing and good functional outcomes. More studies, ideally comparative are needed to properly assess the cost benefit of this technique compared to other techniques.

[Translated article] Comparative clinical and biomechanical study of different types of osteosynthesis in the treatment of distal femur fractures

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Distal femoral fractures represent a problem due to their high number of complications. The aim was to compare the results, complications and stability achieved with retrograde intramedullary nailing and the angular stable plate in the treatment of distal femoral diaphyseal fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A clinical and experimental biomechanical study was carried out using finite elements. The results of the simulations allowed us to obtain the main results related to the stability of osteosynthesis. For clinical follow-up data, frequencies were used for qualitative variables, and Fisher's exact test and χ2 test were used to evaluate the significance of the different factors, with the condition of P<.05.

RESULTS

In the biomechanical study, the retrograde intramedullar nails demonstrated superiority, obtaining lower values in terms of global displacement, maximum tension, torsion resistance, and bending resistance. In the clinical study, the rate of consolidation of the plates was lower than nails (77% vs. 96%, P=.02). The factor that most influenced the healing of fractures treated with plate were the central cortical thickness (P=.019). The factor that most influenced the healing of nail-treated fractures was the difference between the diameter of the medullary canal and the nail.

CONCLUSIONS

Our biomechanical study shows that both osteosynthesis provide sufficient stability, but biomechanically behaves differently. Nails provide greater overall stability being preferable the use of long nails adjusted to the diameter of the canal. Plates form less rigid osteosynthesis, with little resistance to bending.

Comparative clinical and biomechanical study of different types of osteosynthesis in the treatment of distal femur fractures

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Distal femoral fractures represent a problem due to their high number of complications. The aim was to compare the results, complications and stability achieved with retrograde intramedullary nailing and the angular stable plate in the treatment of distal femoral diaphyseal fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A clinical and experimental biomechanical study was carried out using finite elements. The results of the simulations allowed us to obtain the main results related to the stability of osteosynthesis. For clinical follow-up data, frequencies were used for qualitative variables, and Fisher's exact test and χ2 test were used to evaluate the significance of the different factors, with the condition of P<.05.

RESULTS

In the biomechanical study, the retrograde intramedullar nails demonstrated superiority, obtaining lower values in terms of global displacement, maximum tension, torsion resistance, and bending resistance. In the clinical study, the rate of consolidation of the plates was lower than nails (77% vs. 96%, P=.02). The factor that most influenced the healing of fractures treated with plate were the central cortical thickness (P=.019). The factor that most influenced the healing of nail-treated fractures was the difference between the diameter of the medullary canal and the nail.

CONCLUSIONS

Our biomechanical study shows that both osteosynthesis provide sufficient stability, but biomechanically behaves differently. Nails provide greater overall stability being preferable the use of long nails adjusted to the diameter of the canal. Plates form less rigid osteosynthesis, with little resistance to bending.

Management of Non-union Distal Femur Fractures With Augmentation Nail Plate Construct

Background and objective A non-union distal femur fracture is a challenging fracture to treat. Common treatment modalities for non-union distal femur fractures include dual plating, intramedullary nails, ilizarov, and hybrid fixators. Despite the availability of a wide armamentarium of constructs, the clinical and functional outcome of these modalities is often complicated by significant morbidity, joint stiffness, and delayed union. The augmentation of the intramedullary nail with a locking plate results in a robust architecture, improving the likelihood of union. The use of this nail plate construct improves biomechanical stability and restores limb alignment, which enables early rehabilitation and weight bearing and lowers the likelihood of fixation failure. Methodology A prospective study was conducted at the Government Institute of Medical Science, Greater Noida, from January 2021 to January 2022 on 10 patients with non-union of the distal femur. All the patients were operated on with nail plate construct. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results A total of 10 patients with a mean age of 55 years were included. Six were earlier treated with an intramedullary nail and four with extramedullary implants. All patients were managed with implant removal and fixation with nail plate construct and bone grafting. The average duration of the union was 10.3 months. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score improved from 30.6 preoperatively to 67.3 postoperatively. Only one patient developed a superficial infection, which was managed by wound debridement and targeted antibiotic therapy. Conclusion In our experience, this relatively novel technique of combining nail plate constructs offers encouraging outcomes in the management of non-union of distal femur fractures, especially in elderly and osteopenic patients.

Nail plate combination in fractures of the distal femur in the elderly: A new paradigm for optimum fixation and early mobilization?

Distal femoral fractures in elderly or osteoporotic patients constitute a challenging injury, especially in the settings of fracture comminution or periprosthetic fractures. A recent trend in the treatment of these difficult injuries is the double fixation with a nail and a plate, a strategy that comes with advantages including faster weight-bearing and lower risk for non-union. Although biomechanical studies have demonstrated the superiority of nail-plate constructs, there is a paucity in the literature regarding the indications and results of treatment. A review of the literature to date was carried out to identify which group of patients would benefit the most from this type of reconstruction and to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Distal femur: nail plate combination and the linked construct

Operative fixation of distal femur fractures in patients with osteoporotic bone can be challenging. Treatment with either lateral locking plate or retrograde intramedullary nail alone may not provide adequate fixation to allow for early mobilization. Rather, fixation using the nail plate combination (NPC) to treat distal femur fractures in the elderly may offer improved biomechanical stability to achieve immediate weight-bearing, especially in the setting of complex fracture patterns and osteoporosis. Here, we describe the rationale, step-by-step technique, and outcome following 2 cases: 1 patient treated with a true NPC procedure using retrograde intramedullary nail and standard locking plate, as well as a NPC procedure using a novel locking attaching washer plate.

Maintaining the Neutral Axis in the Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures Via Dual Plate or Nail Plate Combination Technique: When and How?

SUMMARY

Distal femur fractures in the elderly have been historically treated with locked plating or retrograde intramedullary nailing with good, reliable results. However, in certain more complex fracture patterns (native or periprosthetic), increased density of fixation via dual-plate or nail plate combination can help achieve immediate weight-bearing. It can also potentially increase rates of union by shifting and maintaining the neutral axis, distributing forces more evenly across the fracture site. Here, we discuss the indications, pros and cons of both dual-plate and nail plate combination techniques in a concise case-based format.

Response to Letter to the Editor: Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures: Is One Superior to the Other?

We would like to thank the editors for the opportunity to respond to their letter regarding our study, "Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures: Is One Superior to the Other?" published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics. The authors greatly appreciate the insight and thoughtful feedback regarding the findings of our study, which may be skewed by heterogenous data and/or technical aspects of surgical plating and intramedullary nailing. We agree with the editors and believe that higher level randomized trials along with specific studies focused on studying modes and causes for treatment failure are necessary to further elucidate the heterogenous data. Nonetheless, with an overall union rate of about 90% and without significant differences in outcomes, at this juncture, we conclude that either intramedullary nailing or locked plate fixation is acceptable treatment options for distal femur fractures.