Supracondylar Femur Fracture

A supracondylar femur fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) just above the knee joint (Figure 1). This part of the bone is called the distal femur, and when it breaks, it’s usually because of a hard fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. Older adults with weaker bones due to osteoporosis and younger people involved in high-impact activities are most likely to suffer this type of fracture.

Diagnosing a Supracondylar Femur Fracture

To diagnose a supracondylar femur fracture, a doctor will first examine the leg, looking for swelling, bruising, and pain around the knee. The doctor will also check if the patient can move their leg or bear weight. To get a clear look at the fracture, the doctor will order X-rays, which show the location and pattern of the break. In some cases, a CT scan is needed to see more details, especially if the fracture is complex.

Treatment of Supracondylar Femur Fractures

Treatment for supracondylar femur fractures depends on how severe the break is. If the bone pieces are still in place and haven’t moved much, non-operative treatment may be an option. This involves wearing a brace or cast to keep the leg straight and using crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured leg. The bone is carefully monitored with regular X-rays to make sure it heals properly.

However, most supracondylar femur fractures are more severe, and surgery is usually needed to fix the broken bone. During surgery, the doctor will reposition the fracture fragments to try and restore the original anatomy. The surgeon will then use metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bone pieces together while they heal. After surgery, the patient will wear a brace to protect the knee. The femur is the largest bone in the body and therefore takes a long time to heal. Patients commonly need to stay non-weight-bearing or partially weight-bearing for 3-4 months to allow the fracture to heal properly. Physical therapy to regain strength and movement is an essential part of the recovery process. Complete recovery from a supracondylar femur fracture can take more than a year, but with the right care, most people regain good use of their leg.

Edited by Stephen Pinney MD, March 15th, 2025