Distal Femoral Fractures

Ninety-eight distal femoral fractures were analyzed to compare open and closed treatment methods. Four radiographic groups were identified. Patients treated by open methods spent less time in the hospital, returned to prefracture activity sooner, had better functional results, and had a lower incidence of nonunions and complications. Thirty-eight of 47 fractures treated by open methods had good functional results. Only 18 of 51 fractures treated by closed methods had good functional results. Simple nondisplaced fractures were noted to have good results when treated by closed methods. Fractures of the distal femur, except the most simple cases, are best managed by open treatment methods.