Distal Femur Fracture
Medical term: Distal Femoral Fracture
Overview
A distal femur fracture is a break in the lower end of the thighbone, near the knee joint. These fractures can extend into the knee joint surface, making anatomic reduction critical for preserving long-term joint function. Distal femur fractures have a bimodal distribution: they occur in younger patients from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents and in older adults from lower-energy falls, often in the setting of osteoporosis.
Treatment typically involves surgical fixation with plates and screws or, in some cases, a retrograde intramedullary nail. Our San Diego orthopedic trauma team specializes in the careful surgical techniques required to restore the joint surface and mechanical alignment of the leg, giving patients the best foundation for recovery and long-term knee function.