Is Bone Grafting necessary following open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar/intercondylar femur fracture with locking compression plate?

The common problems seen in distal femoral fractures are communition, articular surface involvement, fractures in multiple planes and bone loss in compound fractures. They present a challenge to the surgeon to achieve stable fixation and union. With different methods of internal fixation available, the common complications encountered with distal femoral fractures are malunion, varus collapse, delayed union, implant failure and shortening of the limb etc. This necessitates the option of primary bone grafting in treating such fractures. Here, we are presenting our results of 38 cases of distal femoral fractures treated with locking compression plates without primary bone grafting. The functional outcome was excellent in 18 cases and good in 16 cases as per Neer’s rating system. We obtained union in all cases without any primary bone grafting.