Geriatric Distal Femur

Single Impact Versus Dual Implant Fixation of Distal Femur Extra Articular and Complete Articular Fractures in Geriatric Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two types of surgical fixation in patients with specific kinds of distal femur fractures. The main questions it aims to answer is which operation for distal femur fractures is better for efficient return to work and everyday activities.

Fractures of the distal femur are severe and common injuries sustained by older adults. Despite advances in implant technology, these injuries continue to have an unacceptably high rate of nonunion (failure to heal) of approximately 20%. This adverse outcome requires additional surgery to achieve fracture healing, which prolongs recovery and further delays return to activities of daily living and impacts quality of life. Despite numerous studies of a variety of different surgical treatment strategies, the incidence of nonunion remains high. Therefore, any novel strategy to reduce the risk of nonunion and accelerate return to activities after distal femur fracture warrants rigorous study. The goal of this study is to investigate a potential treatment for distal femur fractures that has the potential to improve the likelihood of fracture healing and accelerate return of patient function during the healing process.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than or equal to 55 years
• Surgically treated displaced distal femur extra articular or complete articular fractures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with injury features that preclude treatment with 2 implants
• Patients unlikely to follow-up due to homelessness, or planning follow up at another institution
• Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40
• Injury due to ground level fall
• Patient that speaks neither English or Spanish
• Patients with multisystem injuries that could preclude return to work
• < 55 years of age
• Prisoner