Nail Plate Constructs Permit Early Weight Bearing and Improved Outcomes Compared to Single Device Constructs in the Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures at One-Year Follow-Up: A Retrospective Analysis

The authors aimed to compare clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes between single device constructs (lateral locked plate or intramedullary nail) and nail-plate combination constructs in the surgical treatment of distal femur fractures. Their findings indicated that the nail-plate combination resulted in lower rates of nonunion, reoperation, and gait impairment, while allowing for earlier weight bearing and improved discharge outcomes at one year post-operation. These results suggest that nail-plate constructs may offer significant benefits, particularly for geriatric patients and those with complex fracture patterns.