Supracondylar Femur Fracture: Treatment with a Submuscular Plate

Abstract

Distal femoral fractures in older children and adolescents require stabilization to avoid potential malunions. This chapter discussed the indications for operative management of distal femoral fractures and the technique of using a lateral, submuscular plate for internal fixation.

A 15-year-old boy fell from a fence and injured his left leg. He had immediate pain, swelling in the thigh, and the inability to move the leg. Radiographs in the emergency department revealed a distal femur fracture through the metaphysis and above the physis. He was splinted and scheduled for open reduction with internal fixation. After a discussion of options with the family, the patient was given a general anesthetic, and an open reduction with internal fixation was performed using a laterally based locking submuscular plate. Postoperatively, the patient was allowed to bear weight as tolerated using crutches for protection and to perform range of motion exercises for the knee and hip. The plate was removed approximately 6 months following the original surgery.