This prospective consecutive series from two Level I trauma centers describes surgical technique and early outcomes of the LISS locked plate for distal femur fractures (AO/OTA type 33-A and 33-C), including complex C3 injuries and open fractures. It addresses whether the fixed-angle locking construct can achieve reliable union and distal fixation without the bone grafting and varus collapse problems associated with conventional plating.
When you have a distal femur fracture with a very short distal fragment, multiplane articular involvement (C3), severe osteoporosis, or a large open wound — the LISS locked plate should be high on your implant list; its fixed-angle distal screws eliminate varus collapse and its submuscular insertion preserves biology.
Remember that unlike the blade plate or DCS, the LISS does not reduce the fracture. You must achieve your reduction first, then stabilize it, so complete neuromuscular paralysis and mastery of indirect reduction tools (whirlybird, supracondylar bumps, traction) are prerequisites.
This prospective consecutive series from two Level I trauma centers describes surgical technique and early outcomes of the LISS locked plate for distal femur fractures (AO/OTA type 33-A and 33-C), including complex C3 injuries and open fractures. It addresses whether the fixed-angle locking construct can achieve reliable union and distal fixation without the bone grafting and varus collapse problems associated with conventional plating.
When you have a distal femur fracture with a very short distal fragment, multiplane articular involvement (C3), severe osteoporosis, or a large open wound — the LISS locked plate should be high on your implant list; its fixed-angle distal screws eliminate varus collapse and its submuscular insertion preserves biology.
Remember that unlike the blade plate or DCS, the LISS does not reduce the fracture. You must achieve your reduction first, then stabilize it, so complete neuromuscular paralysis and mastery of indirect reduction tools (whirlybird, supracondylar bumps, traction) are prerequisites.