Fractures of the distal femur.

The results of treatment of 47 supracondylar and intracondylar fractures of the femur treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital were examined using a new classification system. Patients with supracondylar fractures without intracondylar extension obtained better knee motion when treated with traction followed by a cast-brace then when treated with internal fixation. Patients with internal fixation. Patients with intracondylar fractures obtained better knee motion when treated with internal fixation. Traction followed by a long-leg cast should not be used for any of these fractures. Younger patients gained greater knee motion than older patients.