Background: Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical and radiological outcome of distal femur fracture stabilization using retrograde nailing or LISS plating. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study from 2003–2008 we analyzed 115 patients with distal femur fractures who had been treated by retrograde i.m. nailing (60 patients) or LISS plating (55 patients). Mean age was 55 years in the two cohort groups. Mechanism of injury was high energy impact in 57 % (SCN 53 %; LISS 76 %) and low energy injury in 43 % of all evaluated patients (SCN 47 %; LISS 33 %). Fractures were classified according to AO classification: There were 52 type A fractures (SCN 31; LISS 21) and 63 type C fractures (SCN 28; LISS 35). Interestingly severe articular fractures (type C2 and C3) were found much more often in LISS group (15 patients; 27 %) compared to 5 patients (8 %) in the SCN group. Results: Fracture healing within 3 months was observed in type A fractures in over 90 % of the cases (SCN 29 patients, 89 %; LISS 20 patients, 95 %). A distinct diffrence was found in type C fractures. Whereas still nearly 90 % consolidation was evaluated in the SCN group (25 patients; 89 %), LISS plate group showed only 41 % (14 patients). Nonunion was found in type A fractures in only one patient per group (SCN and LISS 3 %) and in 2 patients in type C fractures treated with SCN (7 %). As expected 35 % (11 patients) nonunions were found in type C fractures treated with LISS. Both, the nail and the LISS group required additional bone grafting for successful healing (SCN 2; LISS 8). Functional outcome using the KOOS score demonstrated in type A fractures a score of 263 in the nail and 260 in the LISS plate group, and in type C fractures 257 in the nail and 218 in the LISS group. Loosening of screws without disturbing fracture healing (SCN 12 %; LISS 2 %). Deep infection (SCN 2 %; LISS 7 %), axis deviation of more than 10 degrees in the coronal or sagittal plane in 5 % in the nail and 12 % in the plate group were treated. Conclusion: Both, retrograde i.m. nailing and LISS plating are adequate treatment options for distal femur fractures. No differences in outcome between implants regarding fracture healing, nonunion, and infection were found in type A fractures. A distinct difference occurred in type C fractures. According to high rate of severe articular and open fractures a high rate of nonunions and infections was found in the LISS group. Locked plating can be utilized for all distal femur fractures including complex type C fractures, periprosthetic fractures and osteoporotic fractures. I.m. nailing provides favorable intramedullary stability and can be successfully implanted in bilateral or multisegmental fractures of the distal femur as well as in extraarticular and type C1 to C2 fractures

The principle of open reduction and internal fixation developed during the last few decades provides satisfactory alignment and articular function. The disadvantages of this technique are a large area of surgical exposure with risk of bone avascular necrosis, non-union, infection and stiffness. With LISS (Less Invasive Stabilisation System) the percentage of these problems can be reduced. Over the period January 2003–March 2004, at the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Operative Unit of Maggiore Hospital in Bologna, Italy, 15 patients with distal femur fractures were treated by the use of LISS. Two of them were excluded at the time of follow-up: they died 2 and 12 months after the operation. Thus, we studied outcome in the remaining 13 patients. The average age was 49.7 years (range 18 to 88). According to the AO classification system we had four type 33.A1 fractures, six type 33.A3 fractures, two type 33.C2 fractures, one type 33.C3 fracture and one type 32.A3 open fracture. The mean follow-up was 9.8 months (range 3 to 17 months). Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed using the Neer-Grantham-Shelton score. The mean final score was 70.9/100. The average time of bony union was 12 weeks. We had three complications. In one patient there was a proximal pull out a few days after surgery; however, a satisfactory bony union was obtained with a second operation by a new LISS and a bone graft performed 1 month after the first operation. In the other two patients we had to remove the LISS because of pain at 2 and 14 months after surgery. These complications can be easily explained by the lack of experience in applying this kind of implant and the peculiarity of the cases. We conclude that LISS is an effective system for healing distal femur fractures, with no direct surgical exposure of the fracture site, little bleeding, and early mobilisation and union

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the LISS system for distal femur fractures. Eighteen consecutive patients with fractures of the distal femur treated with the LISS system were followed until fracture union. This group included intra-articular, extra-articular and periprosthetic fractures occurring from both high and low energy trauma. Fractures united in 17 out of 18 cases and only 1 patient required bone grafting. The patient with the fracture that didn’t unite had an early above knee amputation for major pressure areas and peripheral vascular disease. There were no infections but 2 cases of plate failure proximally. The LISS system is a good treatment option for fractures of the distal femur in both the osteoporotic patient and the patient with high energy trauma

Introduction: With the rising popularity of biological fixation, “Less invasive skeletal stabilisation system” (L.I.S.S.) has emerged as a valid option to treat complex fractures around the knee. Published reports have shown good results with shorter healing time and lesser re-operation rates. However as with any close procedure, restoring correct alignment of the limb could be difficult with this system and has not been reported previously. We report the results of CT alignment study in 20 cases of LISS fixation. Methods: In a combined retrospective-prospective study, 20 patients, who were treated with LISS system for stabilizing either femoral or tibial fractures were enrolled. Patents with only unilateral fractures with a normal contra-lateral lower limb were included. All patients had CT scannograms and limited axial CT cuts of both lower limbs. Axial and rotational alignments were measured and assessed by one consultant radiologist. Result: There were 9 cases of femoral and 11 cases of tibial LISS . The mean total malrotation was found to be 11.97 degrees (2.0–34.5). All femora were found to be malrotated externally with a mean of 11.71 degrees where as for the tibiae the mean internal and external malrotaions were found to be12.53 and 11.74 respectively. Mean coronal malalignment was found to be 3.76 degrees. If acceptable alignment was taken as 5 degrees in any plane, then the degree of malrotation in our study was found to be statistically significant. Discussion and conclusion: Malalignment, mainly in the rotational plane has been reported in other closed techniques such as femoral and tibial nailing. As LISS is also minimally invasive and done through indirect reduction techniques, restoration of correct alignment could be difficult to achieve. This study is reassuring as we have found that generally, alignment of limb in our study was satisfactory and no corrective surgery was needed

Vancouver B type peri-prosthetic hip fractures are increasingly common and represent a very complex and challenging problem in terms of management. Plate fixation has not always succeeded, and revision hip arthroplasty on a suboptimal trauma list can be a daunting prospect. Our technique is to use the opposite sided distal femoral LISS plate, inserted from proximally to distally in an inverted manner. Vastus lateralis is elevated off the trochanteric ridge, and a small amount of bone is removed from the ridge to get the plate to sit snugly. The fracture is opened only enough to achieve reduction, and fixation with locking screws are placed percutaneously distal to the fracture. Bone grafting or cable fixation can also be applied at the fracture site. 20 consecutive patients with Vancouver B peri-prosthetic hip fractures were reviewed. The average patient age was 78 yrs. 14 fractures occurred in cemented and 6 in uncemented femoral stems. 12 fractures occurred in primary THR and 8 in bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty. Six were managed using the inverted LISS plate, 6 using other methods of fixation, and 8 with revision THR. In terms of mortality at 12 months, there was no difference between the treatment arms, with 1 death in the LISS and other fixation group respectively and 0 deaths in the revision THR group. From a morbidity perspective there was no difference with respect to post-op medical complications, weight bearing status and length of hospital stay. There was, however, a difference between the inverted LISS plate group and other fixation methods group compared with the revision THR group in terms of average transfusion requirement (2 units and 3 units vs 8 units) and average operative time (80 mins and 100 mins vs 465 mins). 1 LISS plate failed in the 12 month period, with 1 Revision THR and 2 from the other fixation group. This study suggests that it is a stable method of fixation, particularly in the type B1 and B2 subtypes. It may also be used in patients with multiple co-morbidities who cannot undergo a revision procedure and in patients who are minimally/non ambulant. In one patient, we used it to stabilize the fracture before progressing to a later, more controlled, revision hip replacement situation. LISS fixation has a short operative time, low transfusion requirement, low failure rate and is technically easier to perform than revision surgery

Aims: Loss of distal þxation occurs with this the blade plate, especially in the setting of a very distal femur fracture and/or in osteoporotic bone. The LISS (Less Invasive Stabilization System) provides a þxation construct for supracondylar/intracondylar distal femoral fractures, with features including submuscular þxation and percutaneous placement of self-drilling unicortical þxed angled screws. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the LISS versus the angled blade plate in an osteoporotic human cadaveric femoral model. Methods: Twenty-four matched pairs of fresh frozen human femora were utilized. Three groups of eight pairs each were tested to failure in one-time axial loading, one-time torsional loading and cyclical axial loading. A fracture model was created to simulate an AO 33–A3 fracture. Results: The average axial load to failure was 34% higher for the LISS compared with the blade plate (p = 0.03). All 8 LISS constructs failed by plastic deformation of the implant only, while 3/8 blade plates failed by loss of distal þxation. The blade plate had a 47% higher torsional moment to failure (p= 0.05). Permanent deformation after cyclical axial loading was signiþcantly lower for the LISS (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Of signiþcant interest is potential loss of þxation in catastrophic loading of a supracondylar femoral fracture þxation construct. In conclusion, biomechanical testing of the LISS demonstrates in comparison to the blade plate: (1) superior þxation of the distal femoral Ç block È in axial loading, (2) lower torsional strength, and (3) less permanent deformation in cyclical axial loading. The results further indicate that one-time axial loading of the LISS þxation construct will ultimately result in þxator plastic deformation, rather than screw pullout

Due to the fact that the treatment of distal femoral fractures is a therapeutic challenge, new specific implants were continuously developed. The techniques should guarantee a reliable bone healing for two different groups. For young patients with high energy trauma and more or less severe collateral injury and for old patients with osteopenic bone, weal soft tissue and a high rate of co-morbidity. Present widespread techniques are reduction and fixation with LISS plate or retrograde nails. In this clinical study from 2003 to 2006 we compared our supracondylar nail (SCN, Stryker) with the LISS plate. We were looking at a series of 77 patients (55 SCN and 23 LISS) with A (36) and C (41) fractures of the distal femur. 43 (78%) of the SCN group healed without complications, 1 malrotation, 1 case of infection, 2 pseudarthrosis and 5 problems with the distal locking screws were observed. In the LISS group only 23 (56%) healed primarily, whereas the complications occured more frequent. Beside radiographic control and clinical examination the success of operation was assessed with a standardised questionare (KOOS). The SCN group showed again a higher rate of satisfaction compared to LISS. Conclusion: The SCN is working in A and also in complex C fractures. Furthermore we saw less rate of complications and more satisfied patients with the SCN

Aim: To report the technique of reverse femoral LISS [Limited Invasive stabilisation system] plate fixation of pathological fractures of proximal femora with pre-existing deformity due to multiple fractures in a patient known to suffer with Osteopetrosis. Design: Osteopetrosis, a rare heterogeneous condition, is a result of failure of the bone remodelling. The orthopaedic presentations of which include, back pain, deformity of long bones and multiple fractures. Historically, most fractures in patients with Osteopetrosis were treated nonsurgically with good results, but at the expense of malunion. Operative treatment is indicated, to avoid disabling deformity or to treat nonunion of the fractures. The conventional onlay or inlay devices for fracture stabilisation are difficult to use due to malunion and obliteration of medullary canal, caused by previous fractures and hardness of the bone. The new LISS is an extramedullary, internal fixation system and its main features are an atraumatic insertion technique, minimal bone contact, and a locked, fixed-angle construction. The LISS plate can be used to stabilize the whole length of a femur with multiple deformities. Subject: A 46-year – old lady who is a known case of autosomal dominant Osteopetrosis sustained 5 left femoral and 4 right femoral pathological fractures, over a period of 25 years. They were treated nonoperatively and the fractures were healed with some malunion. During the recent clinical presentation, her bilateral proximal femoral fractures failed to unite by conservative methods and operative treatment was indicated. We used a bilateral reverse femoral LISS plate as the proximal fragments were short and needed axial and rotational control. Conclusion: The reverse LISS is a useful implant for treatment of femoral fractures, especially when the femur is deformed and the medullary cavity is obliterated as in cases of Osteopetrosis

The Less Invasive Stabilisation System (LISS) was introduced with the aim to decrease the incidence of fracture nonunion and the need for primary bone grafting. We aim to describe the cases of nonunion of osteoporotic distal femoral fractures treated with the LISS at our institution and to review the cases of nonunion published in the literature. Three cases of nonunion of osteoporotic distal femoral fractures treated with the LISS at our institution were identified. A thorough retrospective analysis of the available clinical information was performed. To identify all published papers on LISS, an exhaustive literature search was performed. The Medline and PubMed databases were searched for the following keywords: femoral fractures, distal femoral fractures, supracondylar, LISS, less invasive stabilization system and femoral no nunions. The search period was 1996 to 2008. All relevant studies were analysed. Low energy trauma was responsible for the closed fractures encountered in our patients. Two patients sustained fractures around a joint arthroplasty: one fracture above a total knee arthroplasty and one fracture below a total hip arthroplasty. The operative technique consisted of indirect reduction on the traction table and minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis. The postoperative radiographic alignment was satisfactory for all fractures. Aseptic nonunion was diagnosed in all patients. Implant failure occurred in two patients with fracture of the proximal screws in one case and fracture of the distal screws in the second case. No case s of failure of distal locking screws have previously been described in the literature. No other complications were identified. The literature search identified 21 cases of fracture nonunion. Six of these fractures occurred in osteoporotic bones as a result of low energy trauma. All 6 fractures were above a total knee arthroplasty. The LISS is a new implant who has shown good results in the management of difficult distal femoral fractures. Its use is however not without problems: concerns with regards to inadequate or excessive rigidity and a demanding surgical technique are just some of the issues

Pilon fractures of the distal tibia pose a difficult therapeutic problem. Various treatment methods exist. We present encouraging early results with the Medial Tibial LISS plate (LCDCP) for these injuries. Materials and Methods: 7 patients (5 male:2 female); age: 34 (range 26–59); All closed injuries 3 type 1; 3 type 2; 1 type IIIc; Average time from injury to surgery: 6 days (4–12 days). Technique: 4 patients had preliminary joint-spanning fixator; 4 patients had fibular plating through a posterolateral incision; A curved anteromedial incision was used to avoid plate exposure in case of wound breakdown. Medial Tibial LISS plate with inter-fragmentary screws to reduce main fracture fragments. Early, non-weight bearing mobilization. Results: Minimum Follow Up: 6 months (range 6–18 months). Union was obtained in all fractures. Joint reconstruction was graded as anatomical in 3 patients, mildly non-anatomical in 3 patients, and markedly incongruent in 1 patient (Type IIIc3). ROM: average 10° Dorsiflexion and 30° Plantarflexion. Pain: None in 4, mild in 2, and severe in 1. Wound healing problems: 1 minor requiring no surgical intervention, 1 requiring debridement of distal tibial wound. We conclude that this technique offers a viable alternative to other methods in the treatment of these difficult injuries

We prospectively studied 29 patients with distal femoral fractures stabilised using the less invasive stabilisation system [LISS]. Four patients were excluded from the final follow up [3 deaths and 1 case of quadriplegia]. The mean age of the remaining 25 patients [9 males] was 60.9 years and the mean follow up 18 months [12–24]. Eleven patients were tertiary referrals from other hospitals [7 cases were referred due to failure of primary fixation]. Overall, there were 12 cases of high-energy trauma [7 open fractures]. According to the AO classification there were 5 Type 33A, 2 Type 33B and 12 Type 33C fractures and 4 Type 32A, 1 Type 32B, 1 Type 32C fractures. Functional assessment was performed using the Modified HSS and the Schatzker and Lambert scores. The average time to union in 22 cases was 3.5 months [range, 2–5]. None of the acute cases required bone grafting with a 100% union rate. There were 3/7 cases of non-union in the salvage group still undergoing treatment. The overall results in the acute cases were good and in the salvage cases fair. While this is a small series of patients, our preliminary data indicate favourable results using the LISS in stabilizing acute distal femoral fractures. However, when the LISS is used as a revision tool despite the concept of preserving the bone biology, the results seem to be less satisfactory. The system appears to be user friendly and no technical difficulties were encountered

Introduction. Being challenging, multifragmentary proximal tibial fractures in patients with severe soft tissue injuries and/or short stature can be treated using externalized locked plating. A recent finite element study, investigating the fixation stability of plated unstable tibial fractures with 2-mm, 22-mm and 32-mm plate elevation under partial and full weight-bearing, reported that from a virtual biomechanical point of view, externalized plating seems to provide appropriate relative stability for secondary bone healing under partial weight-bearing during the early postoperative phase. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of using a LISS plate as a definitive external fixator for the treatment of multifragmentary proximal tibial fractures. Methods. Following appropriate indirect reduction, externalized locked plating was performed and followed up in 12 patients with multifragmentary proximal tibial fractures with simple intraarticular involvement and injured soft tissue envelope. Results. Among all patients, the average follow up period was 22 months (range14–48 months), revealing uneventful healing in all of them. Time to fracture union was 21.8 weeks on average (range 16–28weeks). The mean HSS knee score was 87 (range 72–98) at 4 weeks postoperatively and 97 (range 88–100) at the final follow up. The average AOFAS score was 92 (range 84–100) at 4 weeks postoperatively and 98 (range 94–100) at the final follow up. Conclusions. Externalized locked plating seems to be a successful surgical alternative treatment in selected cases with unstable proximal tibial fractures and severe soft tissue injury, following appropriate indirect fracture reduction

Objectives: The comminuted supracondylar femur fractures are resulted from high energy trauma. Infection and union problems are common complications. LISS is a new generation implant leading to decrease these complications. The aim of this prospective study is to compare the outcomes of distal femoral fractures treated by LISS (Less Invasive Stabilization System) of the multiple injured and isolated fractured cases. Patients and Methods: This prospective study comprised of twentysix patients, sixteen men and ten women, who had 27 distal femoral fractures. Patients were divided as having multiple injury (group I) or isolated femur distal fractures (group II). There were fourteen supracondylar (AO type A) and thirteen intercondylar (AO type C) fractures. The average Injury Severity Scores (ISS) of group I and II were 26.7 and 9 respectively. Operations were performed according to biological fixation principles by means of submuscular manner. No grafting was performed to enhance the healing. The cases were evaluated based on the criteria of Schatzker–Lambert and modified Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system. Results: The mean hospitalization time was 16 days (range 13–46) in GI mainly depended on the presence of concomitant injuries and 8 days (range 6–12) in GII. The mean age of the patients was 49 years (range 26–80) (51.6 in GI and 45.6 in GII). The mean follow up period was 25.8 months. Union was achieved in all cases. Two cases required debridement procedures due to deep infection in group I. One of them healed completely but the other not resulted in chronic ostemyelitis. Revision surgery was carried out in one case due to screw pull out at second weeks postoperatively. The average range of knee motion of the group I and II at the last control were 112.8°, 121.8 respectively. The mean modified HSSs were 73.9 and 79.9 respectively. There was no significant difference for HSS scores and range of knee motion (p> 0.05). Based on the criteria described by Schatzker and Lambert, the outcomes were assessed as excellent in 3 cases, good in 8, fair in 3, and poor in 2 in GI and as excellent in 3, good in 7 and fair in 1 in GII. Poor results of GI were because of osteomyelitis in one case and 15° varus deformity in another. The full weight bearing time was longer in group II depending on the concomitant injuries. Conclusion: We concluded that LISS is effective method to yield satisfactory results for comminuted supracondylar fractures with multi trauma, even if their final results seem to be lower in comparison to isolated femur fractures

Abstract. Objective. To compare the clinical and radiological outcome between less invasive stabilization system (LISS, Synthes, Paoli, PA.) and open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of extraarticular proximal tibia fractures through the lateral approach. Background. Proximal tibial fractures present a difficult treatment challenge with historically high complication rates. ORIF has been in vogue for long time with good outcome. But these are associated with problems especially overlying skin conditions, delayed recovery and rehabilitation with limited functional outcome. LISS is an emerging procedure for the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. It preserves soft tissue and the periosteal circulation, which promotes fracture healing. Patients and methods. Thirty patients with closed proximal tibial fractures were included in this study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (n=15) patients were treated by LISS and group II (n=15) by ORIF. Major characteristics of the two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, mode of injury, fracture location, and associated injuries. All patients were followed up at least 6 months. Results. In each group, 12 patients were united, 2 patients were non- united and one patient showed delayed union. The mean operative time in LISS patients was 79.3 min, while in ORIF patients; it was 122 min. All patients of LISS group were exposed to radiation, while only 40% of ORIF group were exposed. The mean time of union of LISS patients was 10.87weeks. While in ORIF patients, the mean time of union was 21.13 weeks. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the postoperative complications. Functional outcome was satisfactory in both groups. Conclusion. LISS achieves comparable results with ORIF in extraarticular fractures of the proximal tibia. Although LISS potentially has the radiation hazard, it reduces the perioperative complications with a shortened operation time and minimal soft tissue dissection. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Introduction. The incidence of distal femoral fractures in the geriatric population is growing and represents the second most common insufficiency fracture of the femur following fractures around the hip joint. Fixation of fractures in patients with poor bone stock and early mobilisation in feeble and polymorbide patients is challenging. Development of a fixation approach for augmentation of conventional LISS (less invasive stabilization system) plating may result in superior long-term clinical outcomes and enhance safe weight bearing. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical competence of two different techniques of augmented LISS plating for treatment of osteoporotic fractures of the distal femur in comparison to conventional LISS plating. Materials & methods. Unstable distal femoral fracture AO/OTA 33-A3 was set in artificial femora with low density simulating osteoporotic bone. Three study groups, consisting of 10 specimens each, were created for instrumentation with a 9-hole LISS plate, a LISS plate with an additional 3D-printed polyactide cylindrical intramedullary graft, as well as a LISS plate plus a medial 3.5mm LCP (locking compression plate) - double plating. All specimens were non-destructively tested under axial (20–150N) and torsional (0–4Nm) quasi-static loading. Each construct was tested with two different working length (WL) configurations (long and short) of the LISS plate. Relative movements between the most medial superior and inferior osteotomy aspects were investigated via three-dimensional motion tracking analysis. Results. Interfragmentary displacement along the femur axis (mm) under 150N axial loading was 2.03±0.23/1.65±0.27 for LISS with long/short WL, 0.18±0.06/0.18±0.04 for double plating with long/short WL, and 0.40±0.05/0.30±0.05 for LISS plus graft with long/short WL. Shear interfragmentary displacement (mm) under 4Nm torsional loading in internal rotation was 1.16±0.17/0.92±0.11 for LISS with long/short WL, 0.40±0.10/0.43±0.07 for double plating with long/short WL, and 1.09±0.13/0.82±0.11 for LISS plus graft with long/short WL. Double plating revealed significantly smaller longitudinal and shear displacement compared to the other two techniques for long and short WL, respectively (P≤0.010). In addition, LISS plus graft fixation was with significantly less longitudinal displacement in comparison to conventional LISS plating for long and short WL, respectively (P≤0.001). Long WL resulted in significantly higher longitudinal and shear displacement compared to short WL for LISS and LISS plus graft (P≤0.032), but not for double plating (P=1.000). Conclusion. Intramedullary grafting resulted in significantly increased fracture stability under axial loading in comparison to conventional LISS plating. However, it was not efficient enough to achieve comparable stability to double plating

The distal femur fracture is a difficult injury that affects young men andelderly women. The tissue stripping that occurs with the traditional approach has been a factor in the development of complications like infection and nonunion. This study addresses the issue of minimally invasive approach. Does the LISS system really improve the results of such fracture?. Fifty-two patients were included in the trial from six academic trauma centres. Twenty-eight fractures had been randomised to be fixed with the LISS device, while twenty-four had the DCS implant. Type C3 fractures were excluded as they were not amenable for fixation with DCS system. All procedures were performed via minimally invasive technique. The LISS system had the targeter that helped with plate insertion and distal diaphyseal screws placement. Radiography was utilised in the case of the DCS distal screws insertion. All fractures went onto union, except two participants in LISS group who had to be revised due to loss of reduction, in the early post-operative peroid. There were three nonunions in the same group. These required a re-operation. Further more, a LISS participant who had re-injured his distal femur (unrelated to LISS plate), was fixed with different implant. There was a single nonunion with the DCS group that needed revision surgery. There was one participant from each group who had drifted into varus. Neither required a re-operation. This translated into a 21% re-operation rate in the LISS system compared to 4% with the DCS device. Our data supports the use of the DCS system in the fixation of distal femur fractures (except Type C3} via a minimally invasive approach. The LISS implant seems to be technique dependent. In our centre, the LISS plate had been discontinued in favour of the DCP and LCP systems

Introduction: Unstable, extra-articular, proximal, tibia fractures are difficult clinical problems often complicated by mal-alignment and soft-tissue breakdown. Aim: To evaluate the biomechanical properties of a traditional double plating (DP) technique, the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) and hybrid external fixation. Secondarily, the clinical outcomes of an initial series of 20 fractures treated with the LISS system were to be evaluated. Methods: The axial stiffness and biaxial tilt (varus/valgus and anterior/posterior) of the three systems were tested. Five synthetic tibiae per system were loaded in sequence under the following conditions of instability:. 1)Intact. 2)1 cm medial wedge osteotomy (proximal metaphysis). 3)1 cm gap osteotomy. Twenty proximal tibial fractures treated with the LISS system were reviewed to assess union rates, complications, knee motion and secondary procedures. Results: There were no significant differences between the different systems when they were used on the intact specimens. The DP system was significantly stiffer axially and in varus tilt than the LISS and the hybrid systems for the wedge osteotomy for all loads. The LISS was significantly stiffer in varus tilt than the hybrid with the wedge at maximal loading. With the gap osteotomy, all three systems were significantly different from each other in both stiffness aspects (DP> LISS> hybrid). The hybrid exhibited axial gap closure at approximately one third of the force of the other systems. No implant failed or exhibited plastic deformation. In the clinical review all fractures united and only three required bone grafting. No fixation failed but there were three deep infections. Over 80% of the cases had knee motion of 90 degrees or better. Conclusions: The DP was significantly stiffer than both the LISS and the hybrid system for axial displacement and varus tilt at comparable loads for the wedge and gap models. The LISS was significantly stiffer than the hybrid in the completely unstable gap model. The tibial LISS system gave encouraging initial clinical results

This multi-center randomized prospective trial examined fixation for distal femoral fractures by standardizing the surgical approach as minimally invasive. Fifty three patients at six Canadian trauma centers were randomized via the Lead Centre (Halifax Infirmary, Dal-housie University, Halifax, CANADA) into 2 groups of 28 LISS and 25 DCS respectively. The AO C3 group was excluded from randomization. In the LISS group, three fractures went on to non-union and two fractures were complicated by early loss of fixation. A further LISS patient had removal of all metalwork when removal of individual prominent screws proved impossible due to cold-welding. In the DCS group, one fracture was complicated by non-union. The difference between the two groups proved very statistically significant. (P< 0.05). In this trial, the LISS proved more technically demanding and a higher re-operation rate was evident. At the Lead Centre, the LISS has been abandoned in favor of the DCS or LCP Condylar Plate performed via a minimally invasive approach

Purpose: The Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS), Dynamic Condylar Screw (DCS) and Condylar Buttress Plate (CBP) are three common fixation methods for supracondylar femur fractures. The DCS and CBP are compression plates while the LISS uses locking screws to transfer load from bone to plate without compression. We developed a study to determine if the theoretical biomechanical advantages of the LISS would be evident in laboratory testing. Methods: Identical AO type C fractures were created in eighteen composite femurs and fixed with either LISS, CBP, or DCS (6 each). Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) was used for analysis. Reference markers were implanted into each bone segment. Biplanar x-rays were taken to give a three-dimensional representation of the fracture. The femurs were loaded axially in an Instron 1350 and subjected to cyclic loading (50kg ± 25 for 50000 cycles). After loading, the bones were x-rayed to determine relative motion between fracture segments. To examine inducible displacement under static loading, the femurs were x-rayed in an unloaded and loaded (50 kg) condition. Again, RSA was used for analysis. Results: RSA-CMS software was used to analyze relative motion between the bone segments. After cyclic loading, the condylar buttress plate showed significantly more permanent deformation between the medial condyle and shaft of the femur than the DCS or LISS. Under static load, the LISS showed greater displacement than the other devices between the medial condyle and shaft, and between the lateral condyle and shaft. Conclusions: The LISS demonstrated less permanent deformation but greater inducible deformation between the medial femoral condyle and femoral shaft, compared to the DCS and CBP. The results were statistically significant. These results may have clinical implications regarding the choice of fixation devices for this difficult fracture pattern. Funding: Other Education Grant. Funding Parties: Capital Health Research Grant

Introduction: Surgical fixation of intra-articular distal femoral fractures has been associated with nonunion & varus collapse. The soft tissuestripping associated with this fracture andthe surgical exposure have been factors associated with delayed union & infection. The limited soft tissue exposure has been lauded the as a solution to this fracture. However, it has occurred with the new fixation as well.(Locked Plate). Aims: This study is an attempt to look at the fixation. Does the LISS system improve the results of this difficult fracture? Is there truly a difference in the outcome of this fracture utilizing the Locked plate system or is the percieved difference due to the surgical mini invasive approach. Patients & Methods: One hunderd & forty patients were screened, only 53 were randomized and fixed in six academic centers over 5 years. All C3 fractures were excluded as they were felt not to be treatable by the DCS device, but they were treated appropiately. 35 females and 18 males were included in the study and randomized appropiatley. Results: Fifty-three patients were randomized, 28 had the LISS implant and 25 had the DCS utilized. There were 3 nonunions in the LISS group plus two patients with early loss of reduction that required reoperation in the early post operative period. One patient developed arthrofibrosis requiring arthroscopic release and subsequently the implant failed necessitating refixation. In the DCS group, only one nonunion reported & required second surgery. This translated to a reoperation rate of 21% in the LISS group compared to 4% with DCS. Conclusion: This prospective randomized multicentre trial showed a difference when comparing the LISS to the DCS in the supracondylar distal femur fractures