title: Management of distal femur fractures with modern plates and nails: state of the art.
abstract: Fractures of the distal femur, even those with articular extension, are well suited to surgical fixation with modern precontoured anatomic plates and nails. Numerous adjuvant techniques are available to the treating surgeon to obtain and maintain reduction while preserving fracture biology. Yet despite their proven track record and benefits over older implants, technical errors are common and must be overcome with proper preoperative planning and intraoperative attention to detail. This review summarizes the current state of the art regarding distal femur fractures, with an emphasis on relevant modern plate and nail surgical techniques, tempered by our current understanding of implant biomechanics, fracture healing, and long-term outcomes.
authors: *Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX; †Orthopaedic Specialty Associates, Fort Worth, TX; and ‡University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX.
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Beltran
authors: Joshua L
authors: JL
authors: Gary
authors: Cory A
authors: CA
authors: Collinge
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails / Q000639:trends*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000639:trends*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000639:trends; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome