The results obtained in 72 fractures of the distal femur in 70 patients were assessed with regard to the treatment type, surgical or conservative. There were 23 women and 47 men, with a 50 year-old mean age. The most frequent type of fracture was the supracondylar non-comminuted (42%). In 40 cases (56%) concomitant lesions were registered, with a total of 48 associate fractures. In two cases the fracture was bilateral. Twenty-four fractures were treated by orthopaedic means (traction-suspension system or plaster cast) and 48 by surgery. The surgical technique consisted on open reduction and internal fixation in 47 cases (plate and screws 21 cases, 17 with the AO plate and 9 with the DCS plate). The results were evaluated according to the classification of Schatzker, Horne and Wadell. There was 71% excellent and good results, with a significant difference between the treatment modalities (54% for orthopaedic treatment and 74% for surgical treatment, p < 0.01). A total of 17 complications was registered (24%): deep infection in 5 cases, residual deformity in 6, anquilosis in 4, and failed fixation in 2 cases. In summary, surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures shows better results than the orthopaedic treatment. Non-surgical treatment should be reserved for fractures in osteoporotic patients or in those cases with surgical contraindications.

The results obtained in 72 fractures of the distal femur in 70 patients were assessed with regard to the treatment type, surgical or conservative. There were 23 women and 47 men, with a 50 year-old mean age. The most frequent type of fracture was the supracondylar non-comminuted (42%). In 40 cases (56%) concomitant lesions were registered, with a total of 48 associate fractures. In two cases the fracture was bilateral. Twenty-four fractures were treated by orthopaedic means (traction-suspension system or plaster cast) and 48 by surgery. The surgical technique consisted on open reduction and internal fixation in 47 cases (plate and screws 21 cases, 17 with the AO plate and 9 with the DCS plate). The results were evaluated according to the classification of Schatzker, Horne and Wadell. There was 71% excellent and good results, with a significant difference between the treatment modalities (54% for orthopaedic treatment and 74% for surgical treatment, p < 0.01). A total of 17 complications was registered (24%): deep infection in 5 cases, residual deformity in 6, anquilosis in 4, and failed fixation in 2 cases. In summary, surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures shows better results than the orthopaedic treatment. Non-surgical treatment should be reserved for fractures in osteoporotic patients or in those cases with surgical contraindications.