The fractures of the distal third of the femur (3.59% of the total) are some of the most difficult fractures to treat among the common fractures. They are particularly demanding because of their influence on the function of the knee joint. Not only the articular fractures but also the non-articular supracondylar fractures require anatomical reduction in order to restore the functional and mechanical axis of the extremity and, also, a stable internal fixation that allows early function in order to avoid ankylosis of the knee joint. "Experience has shown us that the treatment of an articular fracture depend upon the morphology of the associated metaphysis" (M.E. Müller. Preface).

Fortunately, the treatment is standarized and there are implants available for any situation. The first rule, that should never be forgotten, is to perform the surgical procedure with the knee flexed in order to neutralize the strong flexion force of the gastrocnemius upon the distal fragment. The anatomic reduction of the articular surface is essential and is the first step of the surgical reconstruction, thus simplifying the more complex fractures.

The 95º angled blade-plate, also named condylar plate, is the basic implant. With its blade placed parallel to the articular surface and well oriented in the spatial planes, the plate determines the anatomical axis of the femoral diaphysis. A new implant was developed based on the condylar plate, the DCS, that allows the independent placement of a condylar screw over a Kirschner guide wire and makes easier the compression between both condyles, to which the plate is then connected. Because of the easiness of its insertion, the sliding screw-plate system has become quite popular (also for the hip fractures: DHS, DCS); however, it is a more rigid and voluminous implant, that protrudes into the subcutaneous tissue. There does not seem to be any other alternative surgical procedure with a value comparable to the one advocated by Müller, the technique of which is detailed in the AO Manual.