Treatment of pathologic fractures of the distal femur with the Zickel supracondylar nail.

Thirteen patients with 14 pathologic, supracondylar, and distal femoral fractures were evaluated retrospectively. The Zickel supracondylar device was easy to use and applicable to a wide range of clinical problems. It provided good functional and symptomatic results in 11 of 14 cases. Two patients required a removal of metal implants due to soft-tissue irritation. Attention to the detail of insertion of the Zickel device may prevent complications.