FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL FEMUR - TRANSARTI CULAR RECONSTRUCTION, PERCUTANEOUS PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS AND RETROGRADE INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING

Techniques for operative treatment of supra- and intercondylar fractur es have changed in recent years. Some of these changes have come about in reduction techniques and implant selection. Operative approach con cepts, which had remained unchanged for several decades, have been cri tically evaluated and modified, leading to a minimally invasive osteos ynthesis (MIG) with transarticular joint reconstruction, closed plate positioning techniques or retrograde intramedullary nailing. These tec hniques result in better operative visualization and management of int raarticular comminution, safer fracture healing and better functional outcome. New strategies and techniques for the avoidance of axial mala lignment, rotational deformities and leg length discrepancies are desc ribed.