Nail Plate Combination Technique for Native and Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures

Summary: In the elderly, low energy distal femur fractures (native or periprosthetic) can be devastating injuries, carrying high rates of morbidity and mortality, comparable to the hip fracture population. Poor, osteoporotic bone quality facilitates fracture in a vulnerable anatomic region and as a result, operative fixation can be challenging. With goals of early mobilization to reduce subsequent complication risk, employing the nail plate combination (NPC) technique can offer stable, balanced fixation allowing for immediate weight bearing and early mobilization. We outline the rationale, technical steps, and early clinical outcomes following NPC in the treatment of osteoporotic distal femur (native or periprosthetic) fractures.