Minimally-invasive fixation using a locking plate and early motion is normal practice. However, technical errors and pitfalls are common. This surgery has a set of rules that encompass both the mechanics of the internal fixation system and the implantation itself. If these rules are not strictly followed, alignment defects and/or early failure of the fixation can occur. We analysed four cases of clinical failure that were encountered after minimally-invasive distal femoral extra-articular fixation with locking plates. The following rules must be followed with this technique: extra-articular fracture, minimally-invasive approach, long plate alternating between locking screw and empty hole (five holes on either side of fracture), bi-cortical screws, placement of locking screws near a complex fracture but away from a simple fracture. Osteoporotic bone, obesity that interferes with the instrumentation, articular fracture, horizontal fracture line and surgeon experience are all limitations of this minimally-invasive technique.

Locking compression plates associated with a mini-invasive surgical approach result in a high rate of union (35/36) with no significant misalignment (only 5/36 cases of misalignment of more than 5°), no refractures (n=0) and a low rate of mechanical failure (3/36) while allowing full weight bearing in most cases (20/36). Locking plates for periprosthetic femoral fractures allow patients to begin walking again, with stable intermediate term results.

The incidence of femoral fracture on hip prosthesis is increasing. Plate fixation is the method of choice when the prosthesis is stable. In fracture with proximal extension, the quality of the bone fixation is critical and, despite the development of anatomic plates, may be endangered when there are too few proximal screws. To resolve this issue, we recommend using a reversed LCP™ anatomic distal femoral Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS™) locking plate: e.g., a left distal femoral plate for femoral fracture on right-hip implant. This presents several advantages: minimally invasive surgery, the introduction of the plate being facilitated by the LISS™ ancillary; ease of locking, also thanks to the ancillary; and, above all, multiple proximal trochanteric fixation thanks to the form of this anatomic distal LISS™ plate, improving proximal bone fixation. The present technical note seeks to illustrate the interest of using a "reversed" plate, in terms of simplicity of fitting and quality of reduction and consolidation, while also specifying the associated limitations and tolerance.

Osteosynthesis with a minimally invasive bridge-plating technique is effective in the treatment of periprosthetic, distal femoral fractures without component loosening. Immediate full weight-bearing is possible if certain rules are respected. The surgical management presented herein is beneficial for these challenging fractures, and it may help reduce the complication rate and improve functional outcome.

Although prospective comparison with other modern treatment options is still required, the functional outcome after early ankle mobilisation in a dynamic cast is good enough to ethically propose this method as an alternative to surgical treatment.