Double Plating (DP) Fixation vs Distal Femoral Replacement (DFR) in the Management of Distal Femoral Fractures in Geriatric Patients.

Geriatric distal femoral fractures represent a major challenge for the orthopedic surgeons, to the present days still there is no definite algorithm or specific guidelines that can be used accurately in the management of these fractures. Unlike hip fractures however, there is no widely accepted treatment algorithm or standard of care.

The surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures depends on both patient and fracture characteristics. Options include conservative treatment, open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nails, or recently distal femoral replacement.

There is currently a move towards distal femoral replacement (DFR) for these complex fractures which has the potential benefit of allowing early weight bearing, and therefore aiming to prevent complications associated with immobility and non-union.

Using distal femoral replacement had yield good results in small case series, as it allows immediate full weightbearing, eliminate the risk of nonunion and may provide greater satisfaction scores. However, DFR has its own risks, most notably deep infection, and loosening. While a DFR is more costly compared with fixation plates and nails, the initial increased cost may be outweighed by faster rehabilitation and return to the patient's usual place of residence.

In the study, the investigators are aiming to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of fixation by using double plating technique versus replacement as a primary management for the geriatric distal femoral fractures.