Two-plane fixation of acute supracondylar and intracondylar fractures of the femur.

In 37 cases of supracondylar and intracondylar fractures of the femur treated by open reduction and internal fixation, a two-plane compression device, affording firm fixation in either the sagittal or frontal plane, was used with excellent results. Certain anatomic factors and associated injuries to the musculoskeletal system deserve classification, to enable the orthopedic surgeon to accurately evaluate and treat such fractures in the distal third of the femur. A negative attitude has been perpetuated concerning the ability of the trained orthopedic surgeon to reduce these fractures and adequately maintain the reduction for early mobilization. In 97% of our cases, results were good to excellent, and complications were infrequent. The purpose of this paper is, first, to describe a practicable classification of supracondylar and intracondylar fractures of the femur and, second, to describe the results in our series of cases treated a compression device specifically designed for these types of fractures.