Current Approaches to Distal Femur Fracture Management

Abstract

Distal femoral fractures are complex injuries that pose significant challenges in orthopedic practice due to their anatomical location, fracture patterns, and frequent association with severe soft tissue damage and osteoporosis. These fractures commonly result from high-energy trauma in young patients and low-energy falls in the elderly, leading to considerable morbidity and impaired knee function if not properly managed. Although operative fixation has become the standard of care, the optimal treatment strategy remains controversial because of the wide variety of fracture configurations and patient-related factors. Recent advances in surgical techniques and implant design have aimed to improve fracture stability, promote early mobilization, and enhance functional outcomes; however, complications such as nonunion, malalignment, infection, and knee stiffness continue to be reported. Therefore, evaluating current treatment modalities and their clinical outcomes is essential to guide optimal management of distal femoral fractures.