Management of Distal Femur Fractures in Adults: An Overview of Options

Anup K Gangavalli; Chinenye O Nwachuku

doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2015.08.011

Management of Distal Femur Fractures in Adults: An Overview of Options

Orthop Clin North Am. 2016 Jan;47(1):85-96. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2015.08.011.

Authors

Anup K Gangavalli¹, Chinenye O Nwachuku²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, 801 Ostrum Street, PPHP2, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA. Electronic address: anup.gangavalli@gmail.com.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, 801 Ostrum Street, PPHP2, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.

PMID: 26614924
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2015.08.011

Abstract

Surgical treatment of periarticular and intra-articular fractures of the distal femur pose a significant challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. The primary goal of surgical treatment remains: restoration of the articular surface to the femoral shaft, while maintaining enough stability and alignment to enable early range of motion and rehabilitation. With appropriate surgical planning, these injuries can be managed with a variety of methods and techniques, while taking into account patients' functional goals, fracture characteristics, health comorbidities, bone quality, and risk of malunion and nonunion.

Keywords: Adult; Distal femur; Femur fracture; Options; Supracondylar; Trauma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Bone Plates
Casts, Surgical
Femoral Fractures / classification
Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
Femoral Fractures / surgery
Femoral Fractures / therapy*
Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects
Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
Humans
Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
Radiography
Traction