Final answer:
Locking plates for distal femur fracture fixation provide stable, angular fixation and may enhance healing by preserving the periosteal blood supply, allowing potentially for earlier weight-bearing and mobilization compared to blade fixation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advantage of a locking plate versus a blade for fixation of a distal femur fracture lies in the locking plate's ability to offer stable, angular fixation, which can be especially beneficial in certain types of fractures or in osteoporotic bone where traditional non-locking screws may not provide adequate stability. A locking plate system includes screws that lock into the plate, thereby acting as a fixed-angle device. This can help in maintaining the alignment of the bone during healing and can allow for earlier mobilization and weight-bearing in some cases. Conversely, blade fixation, which includes devices like the dynamic condylar screw, relies on the blade's position within the bone to provide stability, but it might not offer the same rigidity as a locking plate.
Furthermore, locking plates are designed to minimize the contact with the periosteal blood supply, which is crucial for bone healing. This is achieved by the design of the plate that does not compress against the bone surface as much as traditional plates might. By preserving the blood supply, the environment for fracture healing is potentially enhanced.