Patient-Specific Instrument Guided Double Chevron-Cut Distal Femur Osteotomy

The risk of non-union and prolonged periods of protected weight-bearing still remain unsolved issues after distal femur osteotomy (DFO). To improve the stability, we developed the double chevron-cut technique, which is a modified medial closing-wedge DFO guided by a patient-specific instrument. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and outcome of this operative approach. Twenty-five knees in twenty-three consecutive patients with genu valgum and lateral compartment osteoarthritis that received double chevron-cut DFO were included. The target of correction was 50% on the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio. Patient-reported outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the 2011 Knee Society Score (KSS). The mean of the WBL ratio was corrected from 78.7% ± 12.0% to 48.7% ± 2.9% postoperatively. The mean time to full weight bearing was 3.7 ± 1.4 weeks. Union of the osteotomy was achieved at 11.3 ± 2.8 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 17 months, the OKS improved from a mean of 27.6 ± 11.7 to 39.1 ± 7.5 (p = 0.03), and the KSS from a mean of 92.1 ± 13.0 to 143.9 ± 10.2 (p < 0.001). Three patients developed complications, including one case of peri-implant fracture, one of loss of fixation, and one of non-union. The double chevron-cut DFO followed by immediate weight-bearing as tolerated is effective in treating genu valgum deformity and associated lateral compartment osteoarthritis.

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The Results of Patient-Specific Instrument Guided Chevron-cut Distal Femur Osteotomy: A Retrospective Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-142034/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kuan-Jung Chen ◽

Kuan-Yu Lin ◽

Yen-Chun Huang ◽

Oscar Kuang-Sheng Lee ◽

Jesse Chieh-Szu Yang

Keyword(s):

Distal Femur ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Lateral Compartment ◽

Pain Scale ◽

Genu Valgum ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Non Union ◽

Specific Instrument ◽

Distal Femur Osteotomy ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract BackgroundDistal femur osteotomy (DFO) has been gaining popularity in treating subjects with genu valgum and the associated lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the risk of non-union and a period of protective weight bearing still remain unsolved even with the advent of locking plates. To improve the inherent stability of medial close-wedge DFO, we create bone cut in chevron shape with the guidance of a patient-specific instrument (PSI). The patients were allowed immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. The objective of the study was to assess the results of this technique.MethodsTwenty-five knees in twenty-three consecutive patients with genu valgum and lateral compartment osteoarthritis received chevron-cut medial close-wedge DFO. The alignment parameters of the knee, including the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) were assessed. We defined outliers as those with a difference of more than 10% from the targeted 50% WBL ratio. Patient-reported evaluation included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale.ResultsThe WBL ratio, HKA, and mLDFA were corrected from a mean of 78.7% ± 12.0%, 9.3° ± 2.8° valgus, and 83.6° ± 1.9° to 48.7% ± 2.9%, 0.5° ± 1.1° varus, and 91.4° ± 3.5° (respectively) postoperatively. A mean operative time of 58.8 ± 18.3 minutes, and 6.2 ± 1.3 intraoperative radiographs were taken. A mean Hb drop of 1.4 g/dl was found, while no patient required transfusion. Only one knee (4%) postoperatively fell in the defined range of correction outliers. Consolidation of the osteotomy was achieved at 11.3 ± 2.8 weeks. The OKS, KSS, and VAS pain scale were significantly improved compared with the pre-operative data. Complications developed in three patients, including one periprosthetic fracture, one loss of fixation, and a case of non-union.ConclusionThe PSI-guided chevron-cut close-wedge DFO, followed by immediate weight-bearing as tolerated is accurate, safe, and effective in the correction of genu valgum deformity and the associated lateral compartment osteoarthritis.Level of evidence IV

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Review of patient-reported outcomes in periprosthetic distal femur fractures after total knee arthroplasty: a plate or intramedullary nail?

Arthroplasty ◽

10.1186/s42836-021-00080-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dustin Rinehart ◽

Tyler Youngman ◽

Junho Ahn ◽

Michael Huo

Keyword(s):

Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Intramedullary Nail ◽

Distal Femur ◽

Non Union ◽

Femur Fractures ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Total Knee ◽

The Mean

Abstract Purpose This study reviewed the literature regarding the patient-reported treatment outcomes of using either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a plate and screw system or intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for periprosthetic distal femur fractures around a total knee arthroplasty. Methods A total of 13 studies published in the last 20 years met the inclusion criteria. The studies included 347 patients who were allocated to ORIF (n = 249) and IMN (n = 98) groups according to the implants used. The primary outcome measures were the Knee Society Score or the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index. The secondary outcome measures included knee range of motion and the rates of complications, including non-union, malunion, infection, revision total knee arthroplasty, and reoperation. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results The mean Knee Society Scores of ORIF and IMN groups were 83 and 84, respectively; the mean postoperative range of motion of the knee were 99° and 100°, respectively (P < 0.05); the non-union rates were 9.4 and 3.8%, respectively (P > 0.05); the malunion rates were 1.8 and 7.5%, respectively (P < 0.05); surgical site infection rates were 2 and 1.3%, respectively (P > 0.05); the reoperation rates were 9.6 and 5.1%, respectively (P > 0.05); and revision rates of total knee arthroplasty were 2 and 1%, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusion Based on the patient-reported outcome assessments, both ORIF with a plate and screw system and IMN fixation are well-accepted techniques for periprosthetic distal femur fractures around a TKA, and they produce similar functional outcomes.

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Early Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Using Transfibular Approach

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011417s000107 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 2473011417S0001 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexej Barg ◽

Charles Saltzman

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Total Ankle Replacement ◽

Trabecular Metal ◽

Non Union ◽

Early Loosening ◽

Early Results ◽

Ankle Replacement ◽

Patient Reported

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: In the last two decades, total ankle replacement (TAR) has gained more acceptance as a treatment option in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, there is a lack of literature on TAR using a lateral transfibular approach. Therefore, we sought to report early clinical and radiographic results of a patient cohort treated with TAR using a lateral transfibular approach by a single surgeon. Methods: Fifty-five primary total ankle arthroplasties using the Zimmer trabecular metal implant were performed in 54 patients (29 men and 25 women; mean age, 67.0 years) from October 2012 to December 2014. Clinical assessment including pain evaluation and measurement of ankle range of motion was done preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. Weight-bearing radiographs were used to determine the angular alignment of the tibial and talar components and to analyze the bone-implant interface. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, revision surgeries, and failures were evaluated. Results: Implant survival was 93% at 36 months follow-up. There were 3 revisions of a tibial component due to aseptic loosening. In 10 of 55 procedures, a secondary procedure was performed during follow-up. Mean follow-up duration was 26.6 ± 4.2 months. No delayed union or non-union was observed for fibula healing. The average VAS pain score decreased significantly from 7.9 ± 1.3 to 0.8 ± 1.2. The average total range of motion increased significantly from 22.9° ± 11.8° to 40.2° ± 11.8°. Conclusion: Early results of Zimmer trabecular metal total ankle replacement demonstrated improved patient-reported outcomes and increased ankle motion at a minimum follow-up of one year. In the first 55 consecutive cases, the fibular osteotomy required for access to the ankle healed without complications. Painful early loosening requiring revision due to lack of bony ingrowth was seen in 3 of 55 cases.

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Radiological Outcomes of Third Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for Hallux Valgus

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0032

Author(s):

Thomas L. Lewis ◽

Robbie Ray; David Gordon

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Hallux Valgus ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Case Series ◽

Deformity Correction ◽

Third Generation ◽

Radiographic Measurements ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus has significantly increased in popularity recently due to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue trauma, and the ability to achieve large deformity corrections compared to traditional treatments. This study aimed to investigate the radiological outcomes and degree of deformity correction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) following third generation (using screw fixation) Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus. Methods: A single surgeon case series of patients with hallux valgus underwent primary, third generation MICA for hallux valgus. Pre- and post-operative (6 weeks after surgery) radiological assessments of the IMA and HVA were based on weight-bearing dorso-plantar radiographs. Radiographic measurements were conducted by two foot & ankle fellowship trained consultant surgeons (RR, DG). Paired t-tests were used to determine the statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative measurements. Results: Between January 2017 and December 2019, 401 MICAs were performed in 274 patients. Pre- and post-operative radiograph measurements were collected for 348 feet in 232 patients (219 female; 13 male). The mean age was 54.4 years (range 16.3-84.9, standard deviation (s.d.) 13.2). Mean pre-operative IMA was 15.3° (range 6.5°-27.0°, s.d. 3.4°) and HVA was 33.8° (range 9.3°-63.9°, s.d. 9.7°). Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in radiological deformity correction; mean IMA was 5.3° (range -1.2°-16.5°, s.d. 2.7°, p<0.001) and mean HVA was 8.8° (range -5.2°-24.0°, s.d. 4.5°, p<0.001). The mean post-operative reduction in IMA and HVA was 10.0° and 25.0° respectively. Conclusion: This is the largest case series demonstrating radiological outcomes following third generation Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus to date. These data show that this is an effective approach at correcting both mild and severe hallux valgus deformities. Longer term radiological outcome studies are needed to investigate whether there is any change in radiological outcomes. Correlation with patient reported outcomes is planned.

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Megaprosthesis as a treatment modality for persistent distal femoral nonunion in middle aged adults

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120s00536 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (9_suppl7) ◽

pp. 2325967120S0053

Author(s):

Shashank Agarwal ◽

Inder Pawar ◽

Anil Kumar ◽

Anjul Verma ◽

Pawan Kumar

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Treatment Option ◽

Knee Society Score ◽

Distal Femur ◽

Fracture Site ◽

Definitive Treatment ◽

Full Extension ◽

Non Union ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Managing distal femur non-union can be a struggle for any orthopedician as it brings along many perplexities which may not lead to satisfactory patient outcome. The target in these cases should be to reduce the morbidity and allow early rehabilitation of the patient and to accomplish this, megaprostheses can be a feasible option. The orthodox use of megaprostheses is in the musculo-skeletal oncologic surgeries but its use can be extended to traumatic etiologies. These can be offered as a single stage definite procedure in patients who have already undergone several previous surgeries. Here we report a series of four cases of persistent non-union of distal femur treated with megaprostheses and recommend this modality for achieving the desired goal but the indication should be meticulously selected. Hypotheses: Megaprosthesis as a definitive treatment option in persistent distal femur non-union and prevention of repeated surgical intervention. Methods: Four cases of persistent distal femur nonunion with failed osteosynthesis were selected who were initially treated with a distal femur locking plate. Results were assessed in terms of range of motion, limb length discrepancy, knee society score and osteointegration of the components. Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of DFEPR was 49 years (42-55). The mean follow up of patients was for approximately 2 years, with the longest follow up being 3.5 years for the first operated case of the series. The range of motion was from full extension to about 105 degrees of flexion with two patients having an extension lag of 10 degrees. Patients were ambulatory without support. Postoperatively, the mean knee society score was 83 (78–88) at last follow-up as compared to 29 (21-36) in the pre-operative period. No case of infection or loosening was reported. There was 1 cm of shortening in one patient in the operated limb which was compensated by giving shoe raise. Good osseointegration of the megaprosthesis was revealed on both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Conclusion: Although there are very limited studies on the use of megaprosthesis for traumatic cases, it can be considered as an alternative when we are left with only arthrodesis or amputation as the final option. Despite the operative challenges, there is marked improvement in pain and functional capacity as experienced by these severely limited patients, which are the hallmarks of a successful salvage. The use of distal femur mega-prosthesis is a novel acumen in cases, where bone stock at the fracture site at distal end of femur is so severely compromised that traditional revision osteosynthesis would not provide stable and durable fixation. The indications for this surgery must be rigorously selected and should only complement osteosynthesis procedures, which remain the reference treatment option.

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Early experience and patient-reported outcomes of 503 INFINITY total ankle arthroplasties

The Bone & Joint Journal ◽

10.1302/0301-620x.103b7.bjj-2020-2058.r2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 103-B (7) ◽

pp. 1270-1276

Author(s):

David N. Townshend ◽

Andrew J. F. Bing ◽

Timothy M. Clough ◽

Ian T. Sharpe ◽

Andy Goldberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Early Experience ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Patient Specific Instrumentation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean ◽

One Year

Aims This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes. Methods Patients were recruited from 11 specialist centres between June 2016 and November 2019. Demographic, radiological, and functional outcome data (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Manchester Oxford Questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimension five-level score) were collected preoperatively, at six months, one year, and two years. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system was used to stratify deformity. Early and late complications and reoperations were recorded as adverse events. Radiographs were assessed for lucencies, cysts, and/or subsidence. Results In all, 500 patients reached six-month follow-up, 420 reached one-year follow-up, and 188 reached two-year follow-up. The mean age was 67.8 years (23.9 to 88.5). A total of 38 patients (7.5%) presented with inflammatory arthritis. A total of 101 (20.0%) of implantations used patient-specific instrumentation; 167 patients (33.1%) underwent an additional procedure at the time of surgery. A total of seven patients died of unrelated causes, two withdrew, and one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months (6 to 36). There was a significant improvement from baseline across all functional outcome scores at six months, one, and two years. There was no significant difference in outcomes with the use of patient-specific instrumentation, type of arthritis, or COFAS type. Five (1.0%) implants were revised. The overall complication rate was 8.8%. The non-revision reoperation rate was 1.4%. The 30-day readmission rate was 1.2% and the one-year mortality 0.74%. Conclusion The early experience and complications reported in this study support the current use of the INFINITY TAA as a safe and effective implant in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1270–1276.

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Clinical Experience Using a 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Instrument for Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/9246529 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jesse Chieh-Szu Yang ◽

Cheng-Fong Chen ◽

Chu-An Luo ◽

Ming-Chau Chang ◽

Oscar K. Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Tibial Slope ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Tibial Osteotomy ◽

Opening Wedge ◽

Time Saving ◽

X Ray ◽

Specific Instrument

Purpose. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) has been adopted as an effective surgery for medial degeneration of the osteoarthritis (OA) knee. However, satisfactory outcomes necessitate the precise creation and distraction of osteotomized wedges and the use of intraoperative X-ray images to continually monitor the wedge-related manipulation. Thus HTO is highly technique-demanding and has a high radiation exposure. We report a patient-specific instrument (PSI) guide for the precise creation and distraction of HTO wedge. Methods. This study first parameterized five HTO procedures to serve as a design rationale for an innovative PSI guide. Preoperative X-ray and computed tomography- (CT-) scanning images were used to design and fabricate PSI guides for clinical use. The weight-bearing line (WBL) of the ten patients was shifted to the Fujisawa’s point and instrumented using the TomoFix system. The radiological results of the PSI-guided HTO surgery were evaluated by the WBL percentage and tibial slope. Results. All patients consistently showed an increased range of motion and a decrease in pain and discomfort at about three-month follow-up. This study demonstrates the satisfactory accuracy of the WBL adjustment and tibial slope maintenance after HTO with PSI guide. For all patients, the average pre- and postoperative WBL are, respectively, 14.2% and 60.2%, while the tibial slopes are 9.9 and 10.1 degrees. The standard deviations are 2.78 and 0.36, respectively, in postoperative WBL and tibial slope. The relative errors of the pre- and postoperative WBL percentage and tibial slope averaged 4.9% and 4.1%, respectively. Conclusion. Instead of using navigator systems, this study integrated 2D and 3D preoperative planning to create a PSI guide that could most likely render the outcomes close to the planning. The PSI guide is a precise procedure that is time-saving, radiation-reducing, and relatively easy to use. Precise osteotomy and good short-term results were achieved with the PSI guide.

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Tibiotalocalcaneal Intramedullary Nailing for Unstable Geriatric Ankle Fractures

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/21514593211020705 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215145932110207

Author(s):

Elif Kulakli-Inceleme ◽

David B. Tas ◽

Diederik P.J. Smeeing ◽

Roderick M. Houwert ◽

Nicole M. van Veelen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Intramedullary Nailing ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Primary Treatment ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Fixation Method ◽

Soft Tissue Envelope ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean

Background: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) intramedullary nailing has been suggested as an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for the primary treatment of unstable fragility ankle fractures with a poor soft tissue envelope. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of TTC intramedullary nail fixation for the primary treatment of unstable ankle fractures in frail elderly patients with poor soft tissue condition, by assessing the number of postoperative complications and the patient-reported functional outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients with an unstable ankle fracture treated between 2015 and 2019 with TTC stabilization using a retrograde intramedullary hindfoot nail that was inserted without joint preparation and allowing immediate weight-bearing postoperatively. The primary outcome was the total number of postoperative complications. Results: A total of 10 patients were included out of 365 operatively treated ankle fractures. The mean age was 85.2 years (range 66-92) with a mean follow-up of 11.2 months (range 6-16). Fracture types included AO/OTA 44-B2 (n = 1), 44-B3 (n = 6), 44-C1 (n = 2) and 44-C3 (n = 1). Postoperative complications were observed in 4 patients (40%), including 3 nonunions, 2 implant related complications and 1 wound infection. No wound healing disorder or below-the-knee amputation was observed. Four patients (40%) deceased between post-operative 6 to 16 months due to medical conditions unrelated to surgery. The mean Foot and Ankle Outcome Score was 52.6 (range 44.2-73.8). Conclusion: Hindfoot nailingis a viable treatment option in selected high-risk patients with an advanced age, unstable ankle fractures with significant bone loss, poor soft tissue condition and/or severely impaired pre-injury mobility. In a frail geriatric population, hindfoot nailing may be a safe alternative fixation method with a low risk of wound complication or major amputation. However, unprepared joint may lead to symptomatic nonunion after TTC intramedullary nailing.

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A clinical study of surgical management of distal femur fracture using locking compression plate

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20193132 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 787

Author(s):

A. Varun Kumar Reddy ◽

S. Srikanth ◽

Gudapati Omkarnath

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Traffic Accidents ◽

Distal Femur ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Early Weight Bearing ◽

Non Union ◽

Femur Fractures ◽

Locking Compression Plates ◽

Fall From Height

Background: Fractures of distal femur are common due to increased road traffic accidents and fall from height because of increased construction activities. These fractures are quite disabling hence, these fractures necessitate early stabilization of fractures. Internal fixation with LCP has shown to give one of the best results in terms of recovery, fracture union, and clinical outcome. The aim of the study the clinical outcome of treatment of distal femur fractures using locking compression plates.Methods: A total of n=20 cases of distal femur fractures treated with LCP from December 2013 to June 2015 at NMCH and RC, Raichur. They were admitted and examined according to protocol clinically and radiologically. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and outcome assessed with Neer’s score.Results: All fractures healed with an average duration of 16 weeks which is comparable with other studies. We had two cases of varus collapse one was due to early weight bearing in one case and other case is due to gross communition. One case had an implant failure (plate breakage) due to early weight bearing. Cases needing hardware revision is comparable to other studies at 10%. Average Neer's knee score was 76.Conclusions: we have found higher Neer’s scores in this study. The LCP also prevents compression of periosteal vessels. It may not completely solve the age-old problems associated with any fracture like non-union and malunion, but is a valuable technique in the management of these fractures. But however, in type C fractures the outcome is poorer.

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Immediate Full Weight-Bearing Versus Partial Weight-Bearing After Plate Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures in Elderly Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/21514593211055889 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215145932110558

Author(s):

Martin Paulsson ◽

Carl Ekholm ◽

Eythor Jonsson ◽

Mats Geijer ◽

Ola Rolfson

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Distal Femur ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Full Weight Bearing ◽

Partial Weight Bearing ◽

Femur Fractures ◽

Function Index ◽

The Mean ◽

Partial Weight

Introduction After surgery for distal femur fractures in elderly patients, weight-bearing is commonly restricted. Immediate non-restrictive weight-bearing might have beneficial effects. There are no randomized studies on the topic. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcome between immediate full weight-bearing (FWB) as tolerated and partial weight-bearing (PWB) during the first 8 weeks following plate fixation of distal femur fractures in elderly patients. Methods Patients aged 65 years or older with distal femur fractures of AO/OTA types 33 A2, A3, B1, B2, C1, and C2 were included. Exclusion criteria were impaired cognitive function, concomitant injuries, or inability to follow the postoperative regimen. Internal fixation was achieved with an anatomical lateral distal femur plate applied as a strictly bridge-plating construct. The primary outcome measure was the function index of the short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) after 52 weeks from injury. Results Thirty-two patients were randomized to FWB (n = 11) or PWB (n = 21). After 16 and 52 weeks, there were no differences in the mean SMFA function index between FWB and PWB (36 vs 43, P = .42 and 52 vs 40, P = .18, respectively) nor in the mean EuroQol 5-dimension index or range of motion (ROM). Overall, the SMFA function index was higher at 52 weeks compared with before injury (44 vs 30, P = .001) as was the mean bothersome index (37 vs 21, P = .011). There was no clear difference in the occurrence of adverse events between the treatment groups. Conclusions There were no differences in functional outcome, adverse events, or ROM between immediate FWB and PWB following plate fixation for a distal femur fracture in elderly patients. A distal femur fracture has a negative effect on the functional status of elderly patients that persists at least up to 1 year following injury.

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