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Fracture, Distal Femur, Sports Medicine

James C. Ritchey, MD, MS, FAAFP Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Fracture involves the distal 15 cm of the femur.

  • Fractures may be:

    • Supracondylar: Zone is from the femoral condyles to the junction of the metaphysis and femoral shaft.

    • Intracondylar.

    • Co...

DIAGNOSIS

Pediatric Considerations
  • Cartilaginous components of the proximal and distal ends of the developing femur alter the fracture patterns seen in hip and knee injuries in children.

  • Essential worku...

TREATMENT

Pediatric Considerations
  • Assess markers for nonaccidental trauma:

    • Delay in presentation; history of mechanism inconsistent with the injury

    • Isolated trauma to the thigh; associated burns, bruise...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Depends on multiple factors:

    • Fracture type

    • Associated injuries

    • Patient comorbidities

  • Fracture with intra-articular involvement carries a high risk of posttraumatic arthritis.

COMPLICATIONS

REFERENCES

1
Lupescu O, Nagea M, Patru C, et al. Treatment options for distal femoral fractures. Maedica (Buchar).  2015;10(2):117–122.
2
Ehlinger M, Ducrot G, Adam P, et al. Distal femur fractures....

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Macnicol MF. Fracture of the femur in children. J Bone Joint Surg Br.  1997;79(6):891–892.

  • Starr AJ, Hunt JL, Reinert CM. Treatment of femur fracture with associated vascular in...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Be aware of potential associated injuries in all femur fractures.

  • Fractures of the distal femur are severe, and medical management and treatment are difficult.

  • Evaluate for signs of chil...

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