Common option
Plate and Screw Fixation
A specialized distal femoral plate can restore alignment and stabilize fractures that extend near or into the knee joint.
Emergency knee-fracture care
Distal Femur Fracture Surgery in Atlanta
A distal femur fracture is a break in the lower thighbone near or extending into the knee joint and usually requires immediate hospital evaluation.
Go directly to the emergency room—and ask for Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists.
Tell the ER team that you would like our orthopedic group contacted when hospital coverage, privileges and surgeon availability allow.
Emergency hospital evaluation
Knee-joint assessment
Plate or nail fixation
Fracture and replacement expertise
A serious knee-area fracture
Why Distal Femur Fractures Belong Under Knee
The distal femur forms the upper half of the knee joint. These fractures can damage the joint surface, change leg alignment and make future knee motion difficult.
How These Fractures Occur
Younger patients often sustain distal femur fractures after major trauma. Older patients may sustain them after a lower-energy fall because of osteoporosis, weak bone or a prior knee replacement.
Pain, swelling, deformity and inability to bear weight are common.
What the Hospital Team Evaluates
- Whether the fracture enters the knee joint
- Fracture displacement and comminution
- Leg alignment and shortening
- Skin, blood-vessel and nerve injury
- Existing knee replacement or arthritis
!
Do Not Try to Come to the Office First
A suspected distal femur fracture requires emergency-department stabilization, imaging and orthopedic evaluation. Call 911 when appropriate or go directly to the nearest appropriate ER.
Typical surgical options
Most Displaced Distal Femur Fractures Require Surgery
Selected patterns
Retrograde Nail Fixation
A metal rod may be placed through the lower femur and secured with locking screws when the fracture pattern is suitable.
Selected older patients
Distal Femoral Replacement
Severe nonreconstructible fractures, poor bone or a loose knee replacement may require replacement of the damaged distal femur rather than traditional fixation.
Fracture Fixation and Knee-Replacement Experience Both Matter
The best operation depends on fracture pattern, bone quality, age, existing arthritis and whether a knee implant is present and stable. Some patients benefit from fixation; carefully selected older patients may mobilize more reliably after a replacement-based solution.
Ask for our group
Request Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists in the ER
Patients and families may tell the emergency-room team which orthopedic group they would like contacted.
Say clearly: “I would like Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists contacted for the distal femur fracture.” Hospital coverage, transfer needs, privileges and surgeon availability vary, but stating your preference early allows the ER team to contact our group when appropriate.
Atlanta
Decatur
Snellville
Loganville
Fulton County
DeKalb County
Gwinnett County
Walton County
Distal femur fracture FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a distal femur fracture go under Knee or Hip & Femur?
Place it under Knee. The distal femur forms the upper half of the knee joint, and treatment focuses heavily on joint alignment, knee motion and future knee function.
Should I call the office before going to the hospital?
No. A suspected distal femur fracture usually requires emergency-department care. Go directly to the ER and ask the team to contact Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists.
Does a distal femur fracture usually require surgery?
Most displaced fractures require surgery using a plate, retrograde nail or, in selected severe cases, a distal femoral replacement.
Can this occur above a knee replacement?
Yes. A fracture above a total knee replacement is called a periprosthetic distal femur fracture. Treatment depends on fracture pattern, bone quality and whether the knee implant remains stable.
In the ER With a Distal Femur Fracture? Ask for Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
State your preference early so the emergency team can contact our orthopedic group when hospital coverage, privileges and availability allow.
A suspected distal femur fracture requires emergency evaluation. Call 911 or go directly to an appropriate emergency department. This page provides general educational information and does not guarantee a particular surgeon’s availability, hospital coverage or ability to accept a transfer.