"Shimming a Plate" Technique to Correct the Coronal Malalignment in Metadiaphyseal Distal Femur Fracture: Case Report

Indian J Orthop. 2021 Oct 2;56(3):501-504. doi: 10.1007/s43465-021-00507-1. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

We present a case of 19-year-old male patient with right sided comminuted metadiaphyseal distal femur fracture. Fixation was done using distal femur condylar locking plate. Washers were used with the screws to shimming the plate to achieve the coronal alignment and prevent stress over the screws. 2-year follow-up shows good alignment, radiological union and functional outcome without any complications. "Shimming" a locking plate with washers helps to achieve the better coronal alignment in comminuted metadiaphyseal distal femur fractures with coronal malalignment. It reduces the stress over screws and prevents implant-related complications.

Keywords: Coronal malalignment; Distal femur fracture; Locking plate; Shimming.

Publication types

  • Case Reports