Distal femur fractures: weight bearing and alternative constructs

Description

This video presentation by Michael J. Gardner from Stanford University explores distal femur fractures, focusing on current controversies regarding weight-bearing practices and alternative surgical constructs for elderly patients. Gardner highlights the high mortality rates associated with these fractures, particularly in the elderly population, parallels with hip fractures concerning the importance of immediate mobilization, and discusses studies that illustrate varying success rates in union and mortality based on different weight-bearing protocols.



He presents various patient cases, emphasizing the complexities of treating periprosthetic fractures in older adults, the challenges faced with implant failures, and the necessity for personalized treatment approaches. Gardner concludes with a discussion on newer constructs such as combined plating and intramedullary nails for enhancing stability in difficult cases, while still cautioning that blanket weight-bearing protocols may not apply universally across all patients. He underscores the importance of surgeon discretion and adapting to the unique circumstances of each individual patient.

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