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23 Jul 2025
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Unusual Low Articular Distal Femur Fracture with PCL Avulsion


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Clinical Details

Clinical and radiological findings:  A 29-year-old male sustained multiple skeletal injuries in a paragliding accident, including a complex distal femur fracture. The fracture was characterized by an atypical pattern, located at the level of the physical scar, with intercondylar split, trochlear fragment, and Hoffa fragments, but without metaphyseal comminution. The fracture was too low for standard lateral fixation strategies. Initial clinical examination revealed a grade 3 posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.

Preoperative Plan

Planning remarks:  The preoperative plan involved a dual approach: a medial subvastus approach for reduction and fixation of the distal femur fracture, complemented by a lateral approach. The fracture pattern required medial and lateral stabilization due to its low position.

Surgical Discussion

Patient positioning:  Supine positioning was utilized, with the affected limb draped freely to allow for intraoperative manipulation and access from both medial and lateral sides.

Anatomical surgical approach:  A medial subvastus approach was performed, involving the elevation of the vastus medialis muscle to expose the distal femur. This was followed by a lateral approach to facilitate comprehensive access to the fracture site for reduction and fixation.

Operative remarks: 

The surgeon noted that the fracture's low position precluded the use of standard lateral-only fixation techniques. Medial and lateral approaches were necessary to achieve stable fixation. Following the initial fixation of the distal femur, a subsequent procedure was performed to address the PCL avulsion using a tension plate technique.

Postoperative protocol:   Postoperative rehabilitation included initial non-weight bearing with gradual progression to weight-bearing as tolerated, focusing on range of motion exercises and strengthening to support knee stability.

Follow up:   Not specified

Orthopaedic implants used:   Orthopaedic implants used included a tension plate for PCL avulsion repair and fixation devices for the distal femur fracture (specific implants not detailed).

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