title: Fractures of the distal femur.
abstract: The results of treatment of 47 supracondylar and intracondylar fractures of the femur treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital were examined using a new classification system. Patients with supracondylar fractures without intracondylar extension obtained better knee motion when treated with traction followed by a cast-brace then when treated with internal fixation. Patients with internal fixation. Patients with intracondylar fractures obtained better knee motion when treated with internal fixation. Traction followed by a long-leg cast should not be used for any of these fractures. Younger patients gained greater knee motion than older patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014143:Traction