Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
A distal femur fracture is a break near the bottom end of the thigh bone (femur), just above the knee joint. It can involve the femoral condyles, metaphysis, or even extend into the knee joint (intra-articular). These fractures are less common than hip fractures but are often serious.
High-energy trauma (car/motorcycle accidents, falls from height) — more common in younger people
Low-energy falls in older adults with osteoporosis
Can occur around knee implants (periprosthetic fractures)
Extra-articular : Breaks above the knee joint
Intra-articular : Fracture extends into the knee joint
Comminuted : Bone shattered into multiple fragments
Open fractures : Skin broken (higher infection risk)
Severe pain near the knee or lower thigh
Swelling and bruising
Inability to walk or bear weight
Visible deformity or leg shortening
Limited knee movement
X-rays : First step to assess fracture pattern
CT scan : For detailed joint involvement and pre-op planning
MRI : Occasionally used to check for soft tissue damage (ligaments/cartilage)
Used only if fracture is undisplaced, stable, or patient is not fit for surgery
Treatment: Immobilization in a long leg cast or brace + non-weight-bearing for several weeks
🟡 Rare and limited to specific cases.
Goals : Restore knee function, enable early movement, and prevent long-term stiffness
Surgical Options:
ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation)
Plates and screws (locking plate) to stabilize the bone
Intramedullary Nailing (IM Nail)
Rod placed inside the femur
Distal Femoral Replacement
Used for severe fractures, osteoporotic bone, or periprosthetic fractures
External Fixation
Temporary stabilization in case of open fracture or multiple trauma
Knee stiffness or limited range of motion
Nonunion or malunion (bone doesn’t heal properly)
Post-traumatic arthritis
Infection (especially with open fractures)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Hardware irritation or failure
Younger patients usually recover well with proper rehab
Elderly patients may need more intensive rehab and longer recovery
Early mobilization improves outcomes and prevents complications
F&Q'sA distal femur fracture is a break near the bottom end of the thigh bone (femur), just above the knee joint. It can involve the femoral condyles, metaphysis, or even extend into the knee joint (intra-articular). These fractures are less common than hip fractures but are often serious.
Most likely, yes—especially if the fracture is displaced or involves the joint.
You may be non-weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks; walking typically resumes gradually with PT guidance.
If the joint is badly damaged or develops arthritis, a knee replacement may be needed in the future.
Rarely—only if the fracture is stable and the patient has low physical demands.
Most people regain function with dedicated rehab, though some stiffness or pain may remain, especially after joint involvement.