Pathologic Femur Fracture Close to Distal Femoral Physis

This case highlights the power of external fixation in pediatric trauma. An 8 year old male suffered a pathological fracture of the right distal femur just proximal to the distal femoral physis. The distal fragment was too small for rodding or plating. A circular external fixator was used to successfully reduce and stabilize the fracture. Fixation using wires and pins was achieved in the small distal femoral fragment without disturbing the physis or the knee joint. The more fracture fixaton techniques the surgeon has in his/her armamentarium the better the treatment options for the patient.