Fractures of the distal femur revisited.

ABSTRACT

The treatment of supracondylar fractures is presented, including the most recent developments. The author uses the comprehensive classification of these fractures and explains the method of this classification scheme as a guide to treatment. New surgical approaches and a discussion of the surgical anatomy are presented in detail. The traditional and contemporary methods of reduction and fixation are discussed, and how the need to preserve the blood supply to the soft tissues and bone has led to the development of the modern methods. The biologic and biomechanical reasons for absolutely stable fixation for simple fractures and splinting with bridging plates, the so called bridge plating of multifragmentary fractures are explained as are the technical details of fixation. Discussed in detail are specific variations in treatment methods for the particularly difficult problem of open fractures, fractures above total knee arthroplasty, and fractures in osteoporotic bone.