Surgical treatment of supracondylar fractures of the femur using conventional interlocking nailing

Supracondylar fractures of the femur occur in a bimodal age distribution. In the younger, predominantly male pa¿tient group, the fractures result from high-energy trauma with a greater incidence of intra-articular damage and associated systemic or skeletal injuries. Fractures in the elderly, predominantly female group are low-energy injuries, often preceded by radiographic evidence of generalized osteopenia or other “age-related fractures” of the hip, spine, or pelvis. Knee stiffness and osteoarthrosis are common sequelae of this injury. Fracture management depends on many factors, including the fracture type, bone quality, and the patient's overall medical condition. Although treatments vary, both patient groups will benefit from restoration of joint congruity and the institution of early knee motion.

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