Fractures of the lower end of the femur
Fractures of the distal end of the femur are most commonly caused by so-called high energy injuries – car accidents, falls from height, or are often part of polytrauma.
Etiology[edit | edit source]
Etiologically, there are two basic groups of distal femur fractures.
- Fractures caused by high energy
Fractures caused by high energy, for example, in traffic accidents, falls from heights, and are often part of polytrauma. They are predominantly intra-articular.
- Fractures of old age
High-energy fractures are caused by low-impact forces, such as in a normal fall, and are associated with osteoporosis.
Clinical picture[edit | edit source]
Fractures of the distal end of the femur have a significant clinical picture that includes: swelling, tenderness, crepitus, haemarthrosis, popliteal haematoma and deformity.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The basichistory is taken in an attempt to determine the mechanism of injury. This is followed by clinical examination and imaging(X-ray, CT).
Therapy[edit | edit source]
- Conservative
Quite rarely, only for non-displaced and uncomplicated fractures.
- Surgical
Surgery is indicated in the vast majority of cases of distal femur fractures. During surgery, emphasis is placed on anatomical repositioning, restoration of joint surface congruence and stabilization of the bone.
Surgical techniques[edit | edit source]
- Combing
Combing is most commonly used to treat periprosthetic fractures. Surgical transligamentous approach through the fossa intercondylaris.
- Condylar splint
Surgical splint therapy is most commonly performed by lateral skin incision approximately 1.5 to 2 cm lateral to the patella. The repaired fracture can then be fixed with wires or screws.
Related articles[edit | edit source]
- Fractures of the proximal femur
- Fractures of the femoral diaphysis
- Types of fractures and their dislocations
- Osteosynthesis and its principles
Adapted from[edit | edit source]
Literature used[edit | edit source]
- WENDSCHE, Peter – VESELÝ, Radek. Traumatology. 1. edition. 2001. 344 pp. ISBN 9788074922114.
- SOSNA, A – VAVŘÍK, P – KRBEC, M, et al. Fundamentals of orthopaedics. 1. edition. Prague : Triton, 2001. 175 pp. ISBN 80-7254-202-8.
