Jankowski JM, Szukics PF, Shah JK, Keller DM, Pires RE, Liporace FA, Yoon RS. Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures:
Is One Superior to the Other?.
Indian J Orthop 2021;
55:646-654. [PMID:
33995868 PMCID:
PMC8081772 DOI:
10.1007/s43465-020-00331-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Distal femur fractures make up < 1% of all fractures and 3-6% of all femur fractures. In the literature, both intramedullary nailing (IMN) and locked plating (LP) have shown favorable results, but there is no consensus on a gold standard. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of native distal femur fractures treated via IMN versus LP in an effort to determine if one is superior to the other.
METHODS
Systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Only articles published within the last ten years were included. Evidence and study quality were evaluated with the MQOE and Oxford Criteria.
RESULTS
Forty-six articles were included in the review. Fractures treated with IMN were found to have a 93.9% union rate, an average time to union of 19.2 weeks, an average arc of motion of 105.1 degrees, with an average of 14.4 degrees of malalignment. Fractures treated with LP were found to have a 90.2% union rate, an average time to union of 20.5 weeks, an average arc of motion of 104 degrees, with an average of 12.6 degrees of malalignment.
CONCLUSION
Compiled data comparisons revealed no differences in union rate, malalignment, time to union, average arc of motion, or complication rates requiring a return to the operating room. Until higher level randomized data is available, either IMN or LP are acceptable methods of treatment for native distal femur fractures.
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