Supracondylar Femur Fractures eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Author: Steven I Rabin, MD 2004
Supracondylar femur fractures require anatomically stable internal fixation for best results, which usually necessitates surgical treatment. These fractures usually occur in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and osteoporotic bone; thus, a high rate of complications exists. Severely comminuted distal femur fractures are especially difficult fractures to treat properly (Johnson, 1988; Moore, 1987; Olerud, 1972; Pritchett, 1984; Rabin, 1995; Schatzker, 1979; Shahcheraghi, 1993; Wu, 1992; Zehntner, 1992). Obtaining adequate fixation may be technically challenging, especially when multiple fragments are present. Each device has limitations. Stable fixation depends on the exact placement of the hardware. If comminution and the fracture pattern compromise the use of an implant, the surgeon should be flexible and choose the device that fits best.
Updated: Apr 8, 2009