Plate osteosynthesis of the distal femur: surgical techniques and results

Over the past three decades, the techniques for internal fixation of the distal femur have evolved to provide reliably successful results. The improved outcomes of plate osteosynthesis of distal femur fractures are because of better implants, techniques of anatomic reduction and soft tissue handling, and post-fixation stability with early motion. We review the traditional Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) surgical techniques for plate osteosynthesis of the distal femur and the results reported using these methods.