Fracture Lines and Patterns in Intra-articular Distal Femur Fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Distal femur fractures are complex, often comminuted injuries.
• Fixation of intra-articular distal femur fractures presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To graphically display fracture lines in intra-articular distal femur fractures using preoperative CT scans.
• To identify and classify common fracture patterns in these injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 63 patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 33C distal femur fractures.
• Analysis of preoperative CT scans to map fracture lines in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.
• Classification of fractures into four main pattern types based on line orientation and location.

Main Results:

• Most fractures exhibited a central intercondylar split on axial CT scans.
• Coronal scans revealed Y-shaped fracture lines in a significant proportion of cases.
• Four distinct fracture patterns were identified, with Type 4 associated with specific characteristics.

Conclusions:

• C-type distal femur fractures can be categorized into four primary patterns.
• Fracture patterns correlate with injury mechanism, comminution, and fracture height.
• Further research into clinical outcomes and surgical management of these patterns is warranted.