title: Minimal-invasive treatment of distal femoral fractures with the LISS (Less Invasive Stabilization System): a prospective study of 30 fractures with a follow up of 20 months.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is no consensus on the best treatment of distal femoral fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study, we treated 29 patients with 30 distal femoral fractures with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) from 1997 to 2000. Almost 1/2 of them had open fractures, 1/3 extraarticular type A and 2/3 articular fractures type C (AO classification) and these had been caused by high-energy trauma with concomitant severe injuries or osteoporosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The follow-up examinations after mean 20 (13-42) months consisted of radiographs, and determination of the Lysholm Knee Score and Knee Society Score (KSS). The outcome correlated with the severity of the fracture, anatomic reduction, exact positioning and fixation of the LISS and concomitant injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found the LISS for treatment of distal femoral fractures of all types to be a safe procedure with good results after careful planning and experience with this surgical technique. There is usually no need for primary cancellous bone grafting.
authors.affiliation: Department for Traumatology, Medical School of Graz, Austria. florian.fankhauser@klinikum-graz.at
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fankhauser
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gruber
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schippinger
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boldin
authors.forename: Herwig P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Hofer
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grechenig
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Szyszkowitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome