Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal femur using the LISS system

Osteosynthesis with LISS system (less invasive stabilization system) is a new technology and this conception of stabilization of long bone fragments is a new step in the development of AO philosophy. Indications to application of this system are distal metaepiphysis and diaphysis femur fractures, supra- and transcondylar fractures in polytrauma, fractures in osteoporosis as well as fractures after total knee replacement. During the last 3 years 35 patients were operated on by that technique. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Assessment of outcomes was performed using data of clinical examination and evaluation of radiograms with modified Neer-Grantham-Shelton scale. In patients who were operated on 1 year ago the total score varied from 70 to 80 (maximum — 100). Advantages of this technology as compared to the traditional methods of osteosynthesis are the following: limited operative trauma, less blood loss, shortening of surgery duration, preservation of tissue physiology as well as absence of the necessity to use cement and bone auto- and allografts. Disadvantages include the difficulty for reposition prior to fixation and impossibility of correction in postoperative period as well as early weight-bearing load.