الفهرس 
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Abstract
The management of condylar fractures of the femur is fraught with a wide range of potential complications, and for years, these injuries represented an unsolved problem in
trauma. No single method of treatment has solved all the problems, and the controversy
between the proponents of conservative and operative management has occupied the
attention of most reports.
Sixty-five fractures involving the femoral condyles - in 64 patients - were analyzed to
compare open and closed treatment mehtods. Fractures were classified using the new AO
system, and the Neer rating system was used for evaluation of the end-results.
The 44 patients - with 45 fractures - treated according to AO/ASIF techniques, had an
average age of 41.5 years, a mean follow-up time of 19.1 months, an average time to union
of 4.3 months, and an overall 80% excellent to satisfactory results with final range of knee
motion that averaged 110.3°. The 20 patients treated nonoperatively had an average age of
44.1 years, a mean follow up time of 13.2 months, an average time to union of 5.4 months,
and an overall 65% excellent to satisfactory results with less rage of knee motion (average
94.5°).
The problems encountered during management of these fractures were discussed,
comparing our fmdings with those reported in other series. The results of this study have led
us to the following conclusions:
- Satisfactory osteosynthesis of these fractures is a difficult procedure which
should not be attempted until one has mastered the technique; merely using the
AO implants does not guarantee good results. The combined use of AO
instruments and principles provides an excellent opportunity to achieve bone
union, restore joint congruity and limb alignment, and gain good range of knee
motion in most of these injuries.
- Closed treatment is still an acceptable treatment modality. Good functional
results can be achieved in many of these fractures.