Supracondylar femoral fractures in adult animals

Supracondylar femoral (SCF) fractures in adult animals present significantl y greater challenges to veterinary orthopedists than do fractures in immatu re animals in which the bone breaks are usually type I or II Salter-Harris physeal fractures. In adult animals, SCF fractures are often unstable becau se of their distal position and propensity to be comminuted. Because of the composition of the distal femur, minimal bone stock is usually available f or implant placement. As a result, traditional implants such as intramedull ary pins and dynamic compression plates may not be adequate to stabilize fr acture forces. A range of available implants offers additional approaches t o the management of this relatively uncommon fracture.