Femoral biologic plate fixation

Abstract

New techniques of fracture fixation such as indirect reduction, careful soft tissue handling, and elastic fixation are being used in place of older methods of mechanical stabilization. These new techniques led to the concept of biologic plate fixation. We systematically reviewed the literature and provide an overall evaluation of femoral biologic fixation for fracture treatment. We analyzed 19 studies with 687 patients with 697 femoral fractures. Twenty-three percent of the fractures were subtrochanteric, 29% were diaphyseal, and 48% were supracondylar. Twenty-two percent were open fractures. The majority (81%) were comminuted and AO Types B and C. The overall union rate was 98.4%, with a mean time to union ranging from 10.7 to 24 weeks. Primary or secondary bone-grafting procedures were reported in all but one study with a frequency ranging from 0-55%. The most frequently recorded complications were malunion (0-29%) and reoperation (0-23%). The high union rate, low infection rate (2%), and occasional need for bone graft indicate biologic plate fixation is a viable alternative to modern nailing techniques, particularly in patients with polytrauma.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, Level III.