Open AccessMaintaining the Neutral Axis in the Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures Via Dual Plate or Nail Plate Combination Technique: When and How?
Author(s) -
Frank A. Liporace,
Arun Aneja,
Eben A. Carroll
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000002235
Subject(s) - intramedullary rod , medicine , periprosthetic , femur , nail plate , fixation (population genetics) , orthodontics , femur fracture , nail (fastener) , surgery , arthroplasty , structural engineering , complication , population , environmental health , engineering
Distal femur fractures in the elderly have been historically treated with locked plating or retrograde intramedullary nailing with good, reliable results. However, in certain more complex fracture patterns (native or periprosthetic), increased density of fixation via dual-plate or nail plate combination can help achieve immediate weight-bearing. It can also potentially increase rates of union by shifting and maintaining the neutral axis, distributing forces more evenly across the fracture site. Here, we discuss the indications, pros and cons of both dual-plate and nail plate combination techniques in a concise case-based format.