Fractures of the distalfemur are difficult to treat because of its proximity to the knee joint, poor bony matrix, ana anatomio configuration and there is a wide range of potential complications such as ankylosis, infection, post-traumatic
arthritis,
malunion, and nonunion in the treatment of these fractures.
until a few years ago, conservative management was considered superior to internal fixation of supracondylar fracture of the femur. With the development of new fixation divices and advancement of techniques, the results of treatment of these
fractures
have improved. The following clinical rsults were shown by analyzing 51 cases of distal femur fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation, in the department of Orthoopedic surgery, College of Medicine, Kung Hee university from jan.
1986
to Oct. 1991.
1. The follow-up was average 24.5 Mo. ranging from 18 Mo. to 50Mo.
2. Age distribution at the time of operation was average 42.7 Yrs. ranging form 17 Yrs. to 78 Yrs. and the ratio between male and female was 2:1.
3. The most common cause of injury was traffic accident and twenty seven patients(52.0%) had associated injuries in the other parts, and the most frequently associated fractures were tibiofibular and patellar fractures.
4. According to the Muller's classification, there were 28 patients of type A, 9 patients of type B, 14 patients of type C.
5. 8 cases fixed with intramedullary nailings, 10 with angle blade plates, 10 with Judet plates, 14 with Maybone paltes and 9 were fixed with screws. Bone graft was performed in the 9 cases(17.6%) for bony defect and severely comminuted
fractures.
6. Excellent or good results were achieved in 23(82.1%) out of 28 patients of type A, 7(77.8%) out of 9 patients of type B and 8(85.1%) out of 14 patients of type C.
7. 10 patients(19.2%) had complications, 4 knee ankyloses, 2 fixative loosenings, 2 infections, 1 nonnunion and 1 aost-traumatic arthritis occurred.
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