Background and objectiveIntra-articular fractures of the distal femur pose a significant surgical difficulty. These fractures are challenging to repair, and surgery is frequently advised for a successful outcome. The distal femoral fractures make up between 4-6% of all femoral fractures and account for less than 1% of all fractures. When compared to the single screw's axial stiffness or pullout resistance, as is the case with unlocked plates, the locking compression plate (LCP) is a single beam construct whose strength of fixation is equal to the sum of all screw-bone contacts. Against this backdrop, the current study was conducted for evaluating the functional outcomes of distal femoral fractures treated with LCP fixation. MethodologyWe conducted an observational study at a tertiary care facility in Kolar spanning a period of three years, from January 2019 to January 2022. We included all patients aged more than 18 years, who were diagnosed with distal femoral fractures [only those classified as type C according to the AO Foundation/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification]. Patients with terminal illnesses, revision of previous surgery, fractures with neurovascular injuries, and those diagnosed with pathological fractures were excluded from the study. The included patients were treated by LCP and discharged on postoperative day 10 after suture removal. The first follow-up was at the first month and subsequent follow-ups were done at three and six months, and the functional outcomes were assessed by using Neer's score for straight leg raises. Radiographs with fading fracture lines and callus formation on three-fourths of the cortices were regarded as indicators of fracture healing. ResultsAmong the 30 study participants, 80% were males. The mean time for the radiological union was 15 weeks. In this study, there were no instances of infection or angular deformity greater than 5 degrees. About 80% of the study participants had ranges of motion (ROM) above 120 degrees at the end of the six-month follow-up period; 12 cases had an excellent score (40%), 15 cases (50%) had a satisfactory score, two cases (6.7%) had an unsatisfactory score, and only one case had poor score. Common complications observed were excessive bleeding, difficulty in reduction, superficial infections, and knee stiffness. ConclusionFor patients with distal femoral fractures, the LCP treatment can result in good functional and radiological outcomes with fewer complications.

BackgroundThe best surgical procedure for humeral shaft fractures is still plate and screw fixation. Researchers have shown that plate fixation lessens the occurrence of malunion and nonunion. This study aims to describe the functional and radiological outcomes of a humerus shaft fracture treated with a locking compression plate (LCP) using the visual analog scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scoring systems. MethodFrom December 2020 to July 2022, 25 patients with humerus shaft fractures were enrolled in the prospective observational study at RL Jalappa Hospital, which is affiliated with Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar. We have included closed and open type 1 fractures as per the Gustilo-Anderson classification and excluded humerus shaft fractures associated with neurovascular injury, pathological fractures, and ipsilateral upper limb long bone (radius and ulna) fractures. For a humerus shaft fracture, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) + LCP was done on patients who were fit for surgery, had normal test results, and were given the right kind of anesthesia. Every six weeks, every three months, and every six months, patients had regular reviews. A check X-ray was taken each time a patient attended, and we assessed them clinically and radiologically for fracture union, functional outcome, and comorbidities. The patient's DASH and VAS ratings were assessed at the follow-up visit. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the data. ResultThe mean age of the study participants was 33 years, with a standard deviation of 8.9 years. Among the study participants, about 60% of the individuals were males. About 40% of the individuals had injuries due to motorcycle accidents, and 88% of the individuals had direct injuries. Only 12% of the individuals had disease complications. This study recorded a 100% union rate among the study samples. Among the study participants who have histories of hypertension, closed fractures have shown significant improvement according to VAS scores. Among the study participants who were males, those who presented with indirect injury, no history of fracture, right side involvement, and absence of complications showed significant improvement according to the DASH score. ConclusionLCP is reliable for the union of fractures in patients of any age and activity level since we can use it at all levels of the humeral shaft and can achieve 100% union when used with the right principles and osteogenic stimulus. LCPs repair humeral shaft fractures well because they can achieve good functional and radiological results and have few adverse effects.