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

The objective of this study was to report on the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes of the Polyax™ 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 Polyax™ Locked Plating System offers a safe and efficient fixation in distal femoral fractures.