C3 geriatric distal femoral fracture - ORIF or replace with a distal femoral replacement (DFR).

Abstract

A 83yo female tripped on a rug at home. She fell onto her left knee. She had immediate left knee pain. She had never hurt her left knee before. She takes medication for her blood pressure and has no allergies. She has had prior successful bilateral total hip arthroplasties 5 years ago. Her BMI is in the normal range. She has had no problems with her bilateral total hip arthroplasties. She lives alone, but her daughter is close by to help her with activities like heavy cleaning. This woman is still driving and doing her own shopping and uses no walking aids. She is a retired secretary. Distal function is good in the leg. She has no other injuries. Her neck and head are uninjured. There is a C3 left sided comminuted distal femoral fracture. The bilateral total hip arthroplasties are in good position and appear normal (Fig. 1).