[Distal femur fractures. Comparative analysis of two different surgical treatments].

INTRODUCTION The treatment of distal femur fractures has been a controversial topic and it has recently evolved towards indirect reduction and minimally invasive techniques. OBJECTIVE To compare the results of the surgical treatment of distal femur fractures with a plate with screws for condylar compression purposes with the minimally invasive stabilization system. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with distal femur fractures treated surgically between January 2007 and December 2009 were assessed retrospectively. The following variables were registered from each patient record: age, sex, type of fracture, mechanism of injury, type of implant used, operative time and postoperative bleeding. The Neer scale was used to compare the anatomical, radiologic and functional results of both techniques. RESULTS The total number of patients was 52; 32 males and 20 females; mean age was 58 years. A plate with screws was used in 31 patients for condylar compression purposes, and a minimally invasive stabilization system in 21. The cases managed with a minimally invasive stabilization system had a shorter operative time and less intraoperative bleeding. The results of the evaluation using the Neer scale were similar for both modalities. CONCLUSIONS The patients with fracture of the distal third of the femur managed with a minimally invasive stabilization system had better outcomes, which were not significant in the Neer scale, mainly due to less pain intensity, early mobilization and less functional repercussions.