Multicenter retrospective study of 335 distal femur fractures (OTA 33A/C) treated with lateral locked plates at three Level I/II trauma centers, examining which patient, fracture, and construct variables predict reoperation for union, deep infection, and implant failure.
When fixing a distal femur fracture with a lateral locked plate, use at least a 9-hole plate with ≥8 holes proximal to the fracture — it's the one modifiable factor proven to reduce construct failure.
Counsel patients with diabetes, open fractures, obesity, or smoking history that their risk of reoperation and implant failure is substantially elevated regardless of surgical technique.
Multicenter retrospective study of 335 distal femur fractures (OTA 33A/C) treated with lateral locked plates at three Level I/II trauma centers, examining which patient, fracture, and construct variables predict reoperation for union, deep infection, and implant failure.
When fixing a distal femur fracture with a lateral locked plate, use at least a 9-hole plate with ≥8 holes proximal to the fracture — it's the one modifiable factor proven to reduce construct failure.
Counsel patients with diabetes, open fractures, obesity, or smoking history that their risk of reoperation and implant failure is substantially elevated regardless of surgical technique.