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Fractures of the Distal Femur

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Fractures in the Elderly

Part of the book series: Aging Medicine ((AGME))

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Abstract

Geriatric distal femur, or supracondylar, fractures are common fragility fractures. Historically these fractures have been associated with poor outcomes secondary to the challenges presented by patient medical comorbidities, fracture location, and high rates of osteoporosis. In addition to difficulties with acute fracture management, patient mortality has previously been reported in nearly one-third of patients at 1 year following injury. Similar to hip fractures, perioperative medical optimization is very important for any elderly patient. Currently, nonsurgical management is reserved for minimally displaced fractures or those patients who would be unable to tolerate an operation. Surgical fracture stabilization is most commonly performed with a plate or intramedullary nail and provides facture stability, allowing for early patient mobilization and rehabilitation. Total knee arthroplasty has also been reported as a treatment modality for these fractures in certain patients. Recent studies have shown, in general, improved fracture and functional outcomes for elderly patients following treatment of distal femur fractures.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA

    John A. Scolaro

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    John L. Esterhai

Authors
  1. John A. Scolaro
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  2. John L. Esterhai
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Correspondence to John A. Scolaro .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Chair, Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Robert and Arlene Kogod Professor of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    Robert J. Pignolo

  2. Co-Director, Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Reconstruction, Advisory Dean, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Jaimo Ahn

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Scolaro, J.A., Esterhai, J.L. (2018). Fractures of the Distal Femur. In: Pignolo, R., Ahn, J. (eds) Fractures in the Elderly. Aging Medicine. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72228-3_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72228-3_13

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-72226-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-72228-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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