[A condylar plate in distal femoral fractures]

Up to the seventies, the surgical treatment of supra- and bicondylar femoral fractures was difficult and was accompanied by a lot of complications. In most studies conservative treatment was recommended. In the last 30 years the clinical outcome after surgical treatment has improved. This was a result of the development of new implants and improved surgical techniques. Today, the primary surgical treatment is the therapy of choice. We reviewed from 1986 to 2000 105 distal femoral fractures which in 32 cases were treated with a condylar blade plate. The final results were rated using the system that was described by Neer. The averaged follow up time was 9 years. Low postoperative infection rates and in 75% excellent and satisfactory results combined with low cost are the state of art which has to be the reference for new methods and new implants in the future.