A distal femoral fracture is a type of fracture that occurs in the lower part of the femur, near the knee joint. The femur is the long bone in the thigh, and the distal end refers to the end closest to the knee joint. Distal femoral fractures can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, falls, and sports injuries.
There are different types of distal femoral fractures, depending on the location and severity of the break. Some common types include:
Supracondylar fracture: This type of fracture occurs just above the knee joint, in the area of the femur known as the condyles.
Intercondylar fracture: This type of fracture occurs between the two condyles of the femur, within the knee joint.
Transverse fracture: This type of fracture occurs horizontally across the femur, near the knee joint.
Comminuted fracture: This type of fracture occurs when the bone is broken into multiple pieces.
Treatment may include the use of casts, braces, or screws and plates to hold the bone in place as it heals. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises may also be necessary to regain strength and range of motion in the affected leg. The prognosis for recovery from a distal femoral fracture depends on the severity of the fracture, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment plan.