Distal femoral fractures in the elderly: biomechanical analysis of a polyaxial angle-stable locking plate versus a retrograde intramedullary nail in a human cadaveric bone model.

Introduction Compromised bone quality and the need for early mobilization still lead to high rates of implant failure in geriatric patients with distal femoral fractures. With the newest generation of polyaxial locking plates and the proven retrograde femoral nails today two minimally invasive surgical procedures have been established. Indications for both procedures overlap. This study attempts to define the strength and failure mode of both surgical procedures.