title: Pitfalls in the application of distal femur plates for fractures.
abstract: Despite design features intended to aid the surgeon in restoring proper alignment, malunion and implant-related problems are relatively common after a distal femur fracture treated with plate fixation. This article presents case examples of these problems followed by a discussion of the relevant distal femoral anatomy, design features of modern locked distal femur plating systems, and technical points necessary to avoid malunion and implant-related problems when using these devices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital and John Peter Smith Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA. ccollinge@msn.com
authors.forename: Cory A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Collinge
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Brett D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Crist
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005269:Femur / Q000473:pathology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure